A study by the European Commission calculated that air pollution reduces life expectancy by an average of almost nine months across the European Union.
Poor quality air is thought to result in more than 32,000 premature deaths in the UK each year alone.
Experts say many of these deaths could be avoided if measures were put in place to cut pollution levels.
The figures show every European takes on average half a day off sick a year due to illnesses linked to air pollution - costing the economy more than 80bn euros (£5.5bn).
The main threat to health is posed by tiny particles known as particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory tissue, and even directly into the bloodstream.
They are emitted by traffic (particularly diesel engines), industry and domestic heating.
Premature deaths due to particulate matter
|
Country
|
Premature deaths |
| Germany |
65,088 |
| Italy |
39,436 |
| France |
36,868 |
| UK |
32,652 |
| Poland |
27,934 |
| Spain |
13,939 |
| Netherlands |
13,123 |
| Hungary |
11,067 |
| Belgium |
10,669 |
| Czech Republic |
7,996 |
| Austria |
4,634 |
EU Member States, 2000
Read full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4283295.stm
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