Thousands in Europe die prematurely from polluted air

The Acropolis is barely visible due to dust that has covered Athens, Greece. Photo: EPA

Toxic fumes contributed to the death of some 400,000 people in 2011.

IN 2011, the latest year for which figures have been reliably collated, more than 400,000 people in Europe are estimated to have died prematurely as a result of breathing toxic fumes, despite recent improvements in some countries. Britain has been one of the worst offenders, with government figures showing European Union regulations on air quality will not be met in cities including London and Birmingham until 2030.