Air pollution cuts two years off global average lifespan, says study

Analysis finds toxic air trims lifespans by 1.8 years, making it main threat to human health

Air pollution cuts the average lifespan of people around the globe by almost two years, analysis shows, making it the single greatest threat to human health.

The research looked at the particulate pollution produced by the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles and industry. It found that in many parts of the worst-affected nations - India and China - lifespans were being shortened by six years.