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Research reveals air pollution is advancing the average age that people in the UK acquire long-term illnesses. For some conditions people could be getting ill more than two years earlier because of the air pollution they breathe.

The first author of the research from Prof Hualiang Lin’s group at Sun Yat-sen University said: “Our study demonstrates that air pollution is not just a risk factor for falling ill; it acts as a silent accelerator that robs individuals of their healthiest years.”

Using up to 15 years of health records, the researchers tracked the first occurrence of 78 illnesses in 396,000 people in the UK. This included more than 900,000 hospital admissions. The people studied were all between 39 and 70 years old when they volunteered to join UK Biobank in 2006 to 2010. Each person had supplied information including age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and poverty that could then be allowed for in the air pollution analysis.

The researcher continued: “The most striking finding was the sheer breadth and severity of the impact from air pollution exposure. We found that air pollutants were significantly associated with the accelerated onset different chronic diseases, spanning almost every major organ system. We were particularly surprised by the high sensitivity of neurological and psychiatric disorders.”

These include schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and the uncontrolled and sometimes painful spasms of dystonia.

The researchers were also able to use the data to predict the illnesses that could have been avoided if UK pollution had been lowered to meet the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines.

The team explained the next stage of their analysis: “By using the Accelerated Failure Time model, we were able to directly visualise how pollution ‘steals’ healthy years.”

They found that the 360,000 people in the study could have experienced a total of 539,000 fewer years of illness. For the average person in the study this was a gain of just over one year of healthy life, although this was not evenly spread among the group.

By reducing particle pollution, illnesses that would have occurred on average at least six months later included schizophrenia, bone fractures (consistent with separate work on air pollution and osteoporosis), high blood pressure and diabetes. The greatest overall gains in healthy years of life would have come from the most common illnesses that were advanced by air pollution, including high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and thyroid problems.

The researcher said: “By reducing pollution, we can significantly delay the onset of multiple chronic diseases, thereby easing the immense pressure on healthcare systems and preserving societal productivity.”

Dr Amy Ronaldson, of King’s College London, who was not involved in the research but had previously studied the people in UK Biobank, said: “Our earlier work highlighted that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions. This new study goes further by suggesting that pollution may also accelerate the onset of many diseases.

“That means more illness, earlier in life, concentrated in the communities already most exposed to poor air quality. Reducing air pollution has to be part of any serious strategy to reduce health inequalities, ease pressure on the NHS, and improve population health.”

Steve Brown guides a couple who are looking for the peace and quiet Bedfordshire has to offer, and also visits Biggleswade to find out about an easily accessible off-road, mult-iuser path that circumnavigates the market town,

The new cricket season is just around the corner, with Bedfordshire naming a 13-man squad to take on an MCC Secretarial XI in a pre-season friendly on Sunday (19 April).

The 50-over clash takes place at Dunstable Town Cricket Club with an 11am start. Entry for spectators is free.

It’s the first match of a new National Counties campaign which will see Bedfordshire once again compete in the three-day NCCA Championship alongside white ball competitions, the 50-over NCCA Trophy and the NCCA T20.

With a packed schedule across formats ahead, this is the only pre-season game before the competitive action starts, with Bedfordshire facing one of the longest trips of their season as they head to Roseworth Terrace to open their 50-over competition against Northumberland next weekend.

Bedfordshire then host a May Bank Holiday double header in the same competition, with Lincolnshire visiting on Sunday, 3 May – a game also hosted by Dunstable Town – while Ampthill Town Cricket Club host Bank Holiday Monday’s tie against Staffordshire on 4 May.

This Sunday’s opponents, Marylebone Cricket Club – more commonly known as the MCC – was formed in 1787 and has a rich history, as well as distinctive membership jackets often seen at Lord’s in the capital.

The Secretarial XI are just one of a number of representative MCC sides who often play as part of the Club’s wider outreach work.

Bedfordshire will once again be captained by Flitwick’s, George Thurstance with Nabil Moughal, Jack Fuller, Jake Tarling and Bedford School alumni, Archie Houghton amongst the familiar names in the 13-man squad to face the MCC.

How you can get involved

With the costs of running a National Counties side mounting, Bedfordshire County Cricket Club has been courting sponsorship throughout the winter, with a number of businesses and individuals contributing to the county.

A typical season from April to September can cost upwards of £55,000, with only £36,000 of that coming from funding by the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA).

For businesses interested in offering their support, they can contact Bedfordshire CCC’s head of fundraising, Chris Tarling at fundraising@bedsccc.co.uk.

The Bedford Independent has committed as a ‘Business Plus’ partner for the season ahead, with Bedfordshire County Cricket Club part of its ongoing commitment to local sport, both on and off the pitch.

Read: Bedford Independent extends commitment to local sport with County Cricket Club partnership

This support may include coverage of matches, club news, and reciprocal commercial agreements.

Bedford Borough Council is inviting residents and local professionals to take part in the Walk Against Stalking 2026 on Friday 24 April at 11.30am, as part of National Stalking Awareness Week. The free community walk aims to unite people from across Bedford Borough and Bedfordshire to raise awareness of stalking and its serious impact on individuals and communities.

Last year’s walk saw a powerful turnout, bringing together people from all walks of life to share stories, stand in solidarity, and support those affected by stalking. This year’s event promises to continue that momentum, building greater understanding and encouraging local action to tackle stalking in all its forms, both online and offline.

Stalking can cause fear, anxiety, and isolation. Coming together for this walk provides an opportunity to show support for those affected and to learn more about the help available. Participants will also be able to meet and speak with professionals from local domestic abuse and victim support organisations through the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP).

Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services at Bedford Borough Council, said, “Every step we take during this walk sends a clear message – stalking has no place in our community. By standing together and continuing the conversation, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and challenge the behaviours that allow this type of abuse to continue.”

Participants are asked to gather outside the main reception at Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, from 11.30am. The walk will cross Riverside Bridge, head through the town centre and the Harpur Centre, and return via The Embankment, crossing at Butterfly Bridge before finishing back at Borough Hall along the riverside path. It is expected to last around one hour. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.

To confirm your participation, please email dasit@bedford.gov.uk

For more information about stalking and National Stalking Awareness Week, visit www.suzylamplugh.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available through the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership at www.bedsdv.org.uk

This event is supported by the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, with planning and organisation from Bedford Borough Council’s Domestic Abuse team and colleagues from Bedfordshire Victim Support.

Let’s stand together to raise awareness, challenge stalking, and create a safer community for everyone.