There is an interesting publication about air quality available here from the Royal College of Physicians.
Its opening statement is that:
Each year in the UK, around 40,000 deaths are attributable to exposure to outdoor air pollution, with more linked also to exposure to indoor pollutants
One of its conclusions is that:
If we act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to target levels by 2050, we can have a real impact. An analysis for the European Commission suggests that, each year in the UK, this would prevent the following impacts related to local and regional air pollutant exposure:
> 5,700 deaths
> 1,600 hospital admissions for lung and heart problems
2,400 new cases of bronchitis.
Reducing air pollution would also allow vulnerable people to be more active, take less medication, and live longer.
The economic value of these benefits would add up to €3.9 billion per year.
Food for thought.