'1,600 Australians killed each year by air pollution'

Around 1,600 Australians from major cities are being killed by air pollution-related illnesses every year. A new report has found that the lifespan of those living in a number of cities across the country is shortened as a direct result of poor air quality.

A new health risk assessment released by the National Environment Protection Council has suggested that residents of Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and south-east Queensland have shorter lifespans due to air pollution. Poor air quality is also thought to affect long-term residents of the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich; increasing their likelihood of developing an air pollution-related illness.

The report was conducted as part of the council's efforts to see national standards implemented that could see reductions in the levels of fine particulate emissions - a dangerous form of air pollution as the particles can be absorbed deep into the body. This type of pollution has been linked to heart disease, lungs cancer and other respiratory illnesses and is a result of road traffic and other forms of combustion engine.

Manmade pollution will cost males living in Sydney around 72 days of their lives, while females' lifespans will be reduced by around 65 days in the city. This is caused by the continuous inhalation of a number of pollutants, including particulates. This constant exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and asthma, according to the researchers.

Data from 2008 found that particulate pollution can be linked to 520 deaths in Sydney, 570 in Melbourne and 247 in Perth and south-east Queensland throughout the year. 

According to the researchers, the individual composition of air pollution in each city differs; however, the main culprits appear to be coal-fired industries, road traffic, heavy industries and solid fuel heaters. Bushfires also cause air pollution, but only as they occur.

The report suggests that reducing air pollution levels could result in 140 fewer deaths in Sydney alone during the first year. This could decrease further as air quality was improved year-on-year.