A new bill has been passed by the European Parliament that will potentially save an estimated 400,000 people across Europe from premature death caused by air pollution.

The legislation aims to reduce the amount of harmful emissions such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and ammonia by almost half in an attempt to increase a positive health impact by 2030.

Julie Girling, a British Conservative politician who is a Member of the European Parliament helped draw up the resolution in the hope that the health problems caused by poor air pollution can be dramatically reduced across the EU.

“I am very happy to see this key piece of legislation take its final step onto the statute books after three years of work for me and more for some officials. Poor air quality is an urgent public health issue. In recent years there has been a focus on reducing CO2 emissions and perhaps we have neglected air pollution despite its high cost for people’s health, the economy and the natural environment. This legislation goes a long way to address that. Some argue these measures do not go far enough, but we have to be cognisant of the political reality and not allow perfection to be the enemy of good.” stated Girling to The Independent.

The legislation aims to reduce the costs brought about by air pollution by £640 billion and creating around 110, 000 jobs. It hopes governments will start to look ahead once they realize the impact it will have on the health services and lost days at work from people suffering from ill health.

The move will hopefully see an decrease in diesel cars and increase in petrol and electric in order for industries to keep in line with air pollution quotes.

“Air pollution is the number one environmental cause of death in the EU. It’s not a perfect solution but it will go a long way to making important health improvements for our citizens,” stated Girling.