A quarter of particle pollution in UK cities come from farms, study warns

Inefficient use of nitrogen-based fertilisers lead to ammonia being released, creating harmful particles that can traverse through the air and into our lungs, says scientist

25 per cent of particles in London come from farming (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A study has warned that over a quarter of particle pollution in the UK cities are caused by farming and can lead to serious health concerns.

Researchers from University College London - UCL - found that ammonia emissions coming from agricultural activity - such as using fertilisers and managing livestock - contribute to masses of particulate matter in the UK.

Farming has produced up to 25 per cent of particle pollution in London, 32 per cent in Birmingham and 38 per cent in Leicester.