‘5,000 children hospitalised’ by silent killer as parents say ‘completely unacceptable’

Nearly 5,000 children were hospitalised with serious breathing issues in Birmingham last year, with air pollution thought to be a major factor, a study has warned.

Research by air pollution charity Mums for Lungs claims there was an overall rise in hospital admissions of children with breathing problems in the city. “Not only would this be a real relief for children who are struggling to breathe, it could potentially save our local NHS significant amounts of resources.”

Prasad Nagakumar, Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at Birmingham Children’s Hospital added: “Air pollution is a major driver of both acute and chronic respiratory illnesses in children.

Implementing measures to reduce pollution will significantly decrease respiratory morbidity and ease the burden on acute health services.”