People living in Oxford have an increased risk of death that is on average the equivalent to smoking over 150 cigarettes a year, the British Heart Foundation has said today. 

It's revealed the worst places to live for air pollution. Almost all of the worst areas were in London, except Slough (145 cigarettes) and Dartford (144). 

But Oxford is not too far behind, with air pollution equivalent to smoking 131 cigarettes a year. South Oxfordshire is equivalent to 119 cigarettes per year, and West Oxfordshire is equivalent to 114.

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The BHF said: "The new analysis of data comes as we urge the next government to urgently adopt into law tougher World Health Organisation (WHO) air pollution limits. 

"The UK currently subscribes to EU limits on levels of fine particulate matter called PM2.5, which are not as stringent as those set by the WHO. This fine particulate matter is the most dangerous kind of air pollution, with the smallest particles finding their way into the circulatory system when inhaled. 

"Our research has shown that PM2.5 can have a seriously detrimental effect to heart health, making existing conditions worse, and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  
"Every year around 11,000 coronary heart disease and stroke deaths in the UK are attributable to particulate matter air pollution."

Earlier this year, we reported that there are 22 places in Oxfordshire breaching air pollution limits.

READ ALSO: Study reveals 'toxic impact' of Oxford air pollution.