Breathing in dirty air can increase the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer, and concern over these health risks has prompted many cities across the UK to introduce or plan low emission zones.
The Indices of Multiple Deprivation, published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, measures local deprivation levels by analysing various factors affecting communities, such as income, health, crime and pollution levels.
The pollution data, published in 2019, estimates the concentration of four pollutants – nitrogen dioxide, benzene, sulphur dioxide and particulates – all of which can cause ill health. The higher the score, the higher the levels of air pollution in the local area. The figures show wide geographical variations in how clean the air is around the country.
How does your local area compare? Here we reveal the neighbourhoods in Leeds with the highest levels of air pollution.
7. University and Little Woodhouse
Also scoring 1.27 for air quality was the University and Little Woodhouse area Photo: MAREK SLUSARCZYK
8. Burmantofts
The Burmantofts neighbourhood scored 1.25 for air quality Photo: richard - stock.adobe.com
9. Cross Flatts Park and Garnets
The Cross Flatts Park and Garnets neighbourhood had an air quality score of 1.24 Photo: Tony Johnson
10. Harehills South
Four Leeds neighbourhoods had an air quality score of 1.22. The first is Harehills South. Photo: James Hardisty
11. Osmondthorpe and Neville Hill
Osmondthorpe and Neville Hill also had an air quality score of 1.22 Photo: Google
12. Armley and New Wortley
As did the Armley and New Wortley neighbourhood Photo: Gary Longbottom