Council bosses say pollution blowing in from other cities is the cause of poor air quality in Leicester.

According to research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Leicester has one of the worst rates of fine particle air pollution in the UK.

A WHO survey has shown over 40 towns and cities across the country match or exceed air pollution limits set by the organisation.

Leicester sits among the places that are higher than WHO's limit, along with other large cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.

Figures show that 31 areas, including Leicester have fine particle air pollution levels above 10 micrograms per cubic metre.

The council, which is responsible for improving air quality, has said it expects it to hit EU set targets for particle matter (PM) pollution by 2020

A council spokesman said: “Under European Union regulations, all councils will be required to formally monitor and report on PM levels from 2020. Early indications show that Leicester will be within the EU-agreed targets for PMlevels.

“PMis more closely associated with the burning of solid fuels linked to industry and the rising popularity of wood burning stoves.

“It can also be caused by smoke blowing in from surrounding areas of high industry.

“Local levels can, therefore, be a result of activity in other cities.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to improve air quality in the city, we will soon be introducing a citywide smoke control order.

“Like most cities, Leicester has seen a growing number of homes and businesses turning to wood or biomass as a low carbon and often more affordable fuel source for heating.

“We do need to send out a clear message across the city that you must use authorised smokeless fuels or ensure that your appliance is legally exempt.

“We all have a role to play in help.”

The council has not said which other cities are contributing to air air pollution but Coventry and Nottingham are also on the WHO list and have much more heavy industry than Leicester.

Fine air particle pollution is known to cause severe health issues because it penetrates deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system.

Prolonged exposure can trigger serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart diseases, strokes and respiratory infections, according to WHO.

The WHO report estimates that, globally, seven million people die each year from exposure to such pollution, and that nine out of 10 people breathe polluted air.

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The UK places that exceed WHO's limit