London saw 13% fall in nitrogen dioxide levels in 2019 but its still worst in UK
It comes after Sadiq Khan introduced an Ultra Low Emission Zone in April 2019
But a list of 800 most-polluted roads has revealed 600 are currently in London
Landmark inquest ruled air pollution contributed to nine-year-old girl s death
33 out of 43 UK air quality zones still have nitrogen dioxide above legal limits
The Marylebone Flyover in London is the most-polluted spot in the country
London recorded the biggest annual reduction in air pollution last year of any area of Britain - but it is still at illegal levels and the worst air quality in the country.
The capital, whose Mayor Sadiq Khan introduced an Ultra Low Emission Zone in April last year, saw a 13 per cent fall in nitrogen dioxide levels in 2019 from 2018.
The analysis by environmental legal firm ClientEarth has emerged after a landmark inquest ruled that air pollution contributed to an asthmatic nine-year-old girl s death.
Key pollutants in the air are from vehicles are nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PMs). While pollutant levels have fallen in recent years, ClientEarth found 33 out of 43 UK air quality zones still have levels of nitrogen dioxide that are above legal limits.
The mother of a nine-year-old girl who died after an asthma attack today said we got the justice she deserved after a coroner ruled that London s air pollution contributed to her death.
Ella Kissi-Debrah is believed to be the first person in UK history to have air pollution recorded on their death certificate, following today s ruling by a coroner at the second inquest into her death.
She died in February 2013, having endured numerous seizures and made almost 30 hospital visits over the previous three years. Ella lived 25 yards from the South Circular Road in Lewisham - one of the capital s most congested roads.
Air pollution causes catalogue of health problems
PA
16 December 2020, 12:09 pm
The second inquest for Ella Kissi-Debrah is thought to be the first time that air pollution has been recorded as a medical cause of death, but the damage done to people’s health has long been known.
Pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and small particles known as particulate matter, or PMs, play a role in the equivalent of 40,000 early deaths a year in the UK, experts have said.
Air pollution can create a catalogue of health problems: it triggers strokes, heart and asthma attacks, increasing the risk of hospitalisation or death, causes cancer and can stunt lung growth in children.