Air pollution speeds progression of lung diseases, UK study finds

International studies have shown that air pollution increases the chances of getting lung cancer and subsequent survival rate. Photograph: da-kuk/Getty Images

A study of more than 250,000 people in the UK has shown how air pollution speeds up the progression of lung disease.

More air pollution in people’s home neighbourhoods led to a greater probability of developing one lung illness and then to increased likelihood of multiple illnesses and death. This adds to growing evidence that the health harm from air pollution accumulates through our lifetime.