Farming is 'single biggest cause' of worst air pollution in Europe

Nitrogen compounds from fertilisers and animal waste drifting over industrial regions is combining to form fine particulate pollution, report finds

Farming is the biggest single cause of the worst air pollution in Europe, a new study has found, as nitrogen compounds from fertilisers and animal waste drift over industrial regions.

When the nitrogen compounds are mixed with air already polluted from industry, they combine to form solid particles that can stick in the fine lung tissue of children and adults, causing breathing difficulties, impaired lungs and heart function, and eventually even premature death.