Alarm over hospital lung admissions for children in England’s poorest postcodes
New NHS England data reveals that children in the most deprived areas are 40% more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory infections than those in affluent areas. Experts suggest that air pollution, poor housing, and overcrowding are primary drivers of this health inequality.
Why it matters
It underscores the systemic health disparities linked to socioeconomic status and environmental quality in urban centers.
Young children walk to school next to a congested road in London. Young children walk to school next to a congested road in London. Children's health Alarm over hospital lung admissions for children in England’s poorest postcodes Exclusive: Analysis of NHS England data reveals stark impact of air pollution in deprived areas
Prefer the Guardian on Google Children living in the poorest areas across England are 40% more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory infections, an analysis of NHS England data shows, with experts raising the alarm on the impact of air pollution on young people’s health.
The analysis, based on data obtained via freedom of information requests by the charity Impact on Urban Health, revealed 1,941 out of every 100,000 children living in the most deprived fifth of England were admitted to hospital for respiratory illnesses in 2024/25.
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