UK lockdown causes estimated 1,700 avoided deaths from lower air pollution, study shows

Research has shown a reduction of approximately 40 per cent in average level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution over last 30 days

The UK’s efforts to combat coronavirus has led to an estimated 1,700 avoided deaths due to lower air pollution, a study has found.

Research carried out by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) showed that over the last 30 days there has been a reduction of approximately 40 per cent in the average level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution and a 10 per cent reduction in the average level of particulate matter pollution.

That has collectively meant an estimated 11,000 deaths from air pollution have been avoided across Europe.