Health fears exposed as major link between air pollution and childhood asthma in Yorkshire city revealed

How Leeds council plans to spend £1.8m from government to clean up city's airThe new research puts Bradford on the map - but not in a good way.

International scientists used computer simulations to assess the impact of exposure to irritant gases called nitrogen oxides in the West Yorkshire city.

They found that up to 38% of all annual cases of childhood asthma in Bradford may be attributable to air pollution.

Pollution from road vehicles alone was linked to 24% of cases.

Dr Haneen Khreis, who led the research while working at the University of Leeds' Institute for Transport Studies, said: "Overall rates of childhood asthma cases in Bradford are higher than the national average as were emergency hospital admissions for asthmatic children under 16 years of age.

"Traffic-related air pollution is a real concern to the community.

Are these the best Fish and Chips in Leeds?"Our team's previous research has shown that children exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution have a higher risk of developing asthma.