Health effects of air pollution

In Birmingham, up to 900 people per year die early as a result of air pollution.

Air pollution increases the risk of death from cardiac (heart and blood vessels) and respiratory (lungs and breathing) causes, especially among people with pre-existing cardiac and respiratory conditions. It contributes to about 1 in 13 cases of lung cancer and causes coughs and phlegm in adults.

But there is also evidence to suggest that poor air quality may also increase the risk of other health conditions such as bladder cancer and type 2 diabetes.

People living near busy roads are also more likely to get dementia, but more research is needed to be sure this is caused by air pollution.

Page last updated: 26 February 2024