AN MP is ‘extremely concerned’ after leading health experts revealed Manchester air isn’t legally safe to breathe.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) data found that, in Manchester, levels of small suspended particles in the air known as PM2.5, are above the legally safe level (they are on average at 13 μg/m3 and the yearly legal level is 10 μg/m3).

These smaller particles are the most dangerous as they are able to reach deep into lungs and pass through to the bloodstream. PM10 and PM2.5 (small and fine particulate matter) include pollutants such as sulphate, nitrates and black carbon, which can penetrate into the cardiovascular system, posing the greatest risks to human health.

A total of 40 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland breached safe levels for fine particles in the air, but government plans only focus on lowering levels in five UK cities – not including Manchester.

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green said “I was extremely concerned to hear that the WHO has said that the air we’re breathing in Manchester isn’t safe.

“Air quality is a really important issue here in Stretford and Urmston – the M60 goes right by some of our schools and people’s homes. I know that many residents are extremely worried about the impact of poor air quality on children growing up round here. Our children’s long term health shouldn’t suffer because of the ill thought out infrastructure plans of this government.

“We can’t go on like this. I’ll continue to campaign for an improvement of air quality in our community and press the government for action.”

The WHO says that high levels of particulate matter are the ‘greatest environmental risk to health’, responsible for more than 3 million premature deaths worldwide ever year.

The study, which compared a total of 795 cities in 67 countries for levels of small and fine particulate matter, found that more than 80 per cent of people living in urban areas worldwide are exposed to air quality levels which exceed WHO limits.

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to see that Ms Green is fighting to clean up Manchester’s air.

“We need more MPs across parliament to take action and challenge the government on their inadequate air quality plans. It is clear from this report that the UK is facing a public health crisis.”