Every Londoner living in the capital is exposed to dangerous toxic air particles which result in nearly 30,000 premature deaths each year, a damning report suggests.

New research released on Wednesday (October 4) reveals that 7.9 million Londoners live in areas exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines by at least 50%.

The dangerous particles, known as PM2.5, cause 29,000 premature deaths in the UK every year.

Research found both long and short-term exposure increases the likelihood of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and children exposed to PM2.5 are more likely to grow up with reduced lung function and asthma.

The data is based on the latest updated London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory and shows that 95% of the capital's population live in PM2.5-affected areas.

Sadiq Khan released the shocking report before signing London up to the Breathe Life coalition, which aims to connect similar world cities, combine expertise, and work together on air quality.

Sadiq Khan triggered the emergency high air pollution alert last week

The Mayor said he is “committed to tackling pollution in London” and aims to get PM2.5 levels within WHO guidelines by 2030.

“This research is another damning indictment of the toxic air that all Londoners are forced to breathe every day," he said.

'We should be ashamed'

“It’s sickening to know that not a single area of London meets World Health Organisation health standards, but even worse than that, nearly 95 percent of the capital is exceeding these guidelines by at least 50 percent.

“We should be ashamed that our young people – the next generation of Londoners – are being exposed to these tiny particles of toxic dust that are seriously damaging their lungs and shortening their life expectancy.

“I understand this is really difficult for Londoners, but that’s why I felt it was so important that I made this information public so people really understand the scale of the challenge we face in London."

Around half of PM2.5 in London is from external sources outside the city, however, the main sources of PM2.5 emissions in London are from tyre and brake wear, construction and wood burning.

Reducing these emissions will require a shift towards walking, cycling and using public transport, as well as technologies like electric cars.

“I am doing everything in my powers to significantly reduce NOx emissions by introducing the T-Charge to drive down the number of dirty vehicles polluting our roads and our lungs," the Mayor added.

"I also urge the government to devolve powers to me so I can get on with tackling the dangerous toxic air particles – known as PM2.5 – that we know come from construction sites and wood burning stoves.

"It’s measures like these that we need to get on with now to protect our children and our children’s children.”

Sadiq Khan has committed to reducing pollution in the capital

'Our children are on the front line'

Zoleka Mandela, Global Ambassador of Child Health Initiative, said we are facing a "global crisis".

"Our children are on the front line," Ms Mandela said.

"As they take their journeys to school every day, millions of children are placed at unacceptable risk.

“In London, Sadiq Khan is taking action, but leaders everywhere must step up and do more to protect the most vulnerable – for the sake of every child, every life.”

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