Pneumonia linked to engine exhaust fumes

Deaths from pneumonia across England are heavily linked to carbon emissions, research published today suggests.

The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health features research from the University of Birmingham claiming excess deaths from pneumonia across England have a close relationship with engine exhaust levels.

Professor George Knox of the University of Birmingham says deaths from air pollution are now close to those experienced in the 1952 London smog as a result.

There were almost 400,000 deaths from pneumonia in the eight years of the study period, with emissions associated with oil combustion signalling a strong and independent relationship with the worst local authorities.

Fifty-four thousand of these deaths were accounted for by 35 local authorities, around 15,000 more than would be expected.

“Road transport was the chief source of the emissions responsible, although it was not possible to discriminate between the different chemical components,” the study concludes.

“Many ‘pneumonia’ deaths were probably caused by direct chemical injury, as in the 1952 London smog and are better regarded as ‘acute respiratory distress syndrome’ or ‘acute lung injury’.”

Other diseases associated with emissions include peptic ulcers, coronary and rheumatic heart diseases and lung and stomach cancers.