If we examine the correlation between deaths from pneumonia and other lung disease and traffic pollution in different districts of England, we will see that in 35 local authorities where rates of pneumonia are the highest, there were 14,718 more deaths than the national average. In these districts the figures of cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rheumatic heart disease are also much higher.
Experts say, the annual number of excess deaths which could be linked to pollution could be equal to those from the 1952 London smog. It is known that it killed 4,000 people then.
So, this research consistently linked the two: mortality from pneumonia and environment pollution though scientists say that more detailed research needs to be held into the impact of air pollution before it is clear that exhaust fumes are linked to increased deaths from pneumonia.
Professor George Knox, the supervisor of the study and the author of the report in the Journal says high death rates were seen in areas with elevated high environmental air pollution levels and the strongest single effect was an increase in pneumonia deaths.The most part of the harmful emissions was road transport but it was not possible to discriminate between the different chemical components.
More detailed research is needed before a clear link between pneumonia and exhaust fumes can be publically declared. However, the statistical evidence is a fact.