Children in England's poorest postcodes are 40% more likely to be hospitalised for respiratory infections than their wealthier peers, according to an analysis of NHS England data. The charity Impact on Urban Health obtained the data via freedom of information requests and found that in 2024/25, 1,941 out of every 100,000 kids in the most deprived fifth of England were admitted for respiratory illnesses like flu and pneumonia, compared to 1,380 in the least deprived areas. That's an 82% higher absolute rate, or 41% after adjusting for population size. Experts blame air pollution, but also damp housing, mould, and other joys of poverty. Dr Gergo Baranyi of University College London notes that 'children growing up in deprived neighbourhoods are often exposed to dirtier air,' but adds that poor housing and indoor air quality also play a role. Air pollution is estimated to kill 43,000 people annually in the UK and has been shown to stunt lung growth in children. Ben Pearce of Impact on Urban Health calls the figures 'shocking' and 'appalling,' noting that lower-income communities are stuck near busy roads and industrial sites. He calls for an overhaul of the Clean Air Act with binding targets aligned with WHO guidelines. Dr Helena Clements of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says air pollution is 'damaging children's developing lungs' and widening health inequalities. The Department of Health and Social Care declined to comment, presumably off taking a deep breath of clean air.