Ongoing exposure to air pollution will cut months from the life expectancy of Sydneysiders, a new report says.

Long-time city residents will have their lives reduced by an estimated 72 days for men and 65 for women by ongoing inhalation of fine particle pollution.

Smog screen: Emissions from coal-fired power stations, motor vehicles and wood fire heaters have been identified as the main problem. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Emissions from coal-fired power stations, motor vehicles and wood fire heaters have been identified as the main contributors to the toxic cocktail, which causes an estimated 520 deaths in Sydney every year, based on exposure to 2008 levels, as well as being linked to cardiovascular and asthma hospitalisations.

Sydney's air kills more people than traffic accidents. Last year the NSW road toll was 339.