The European Commission refused the United Kingdom's plans to delay air quality improvements in 12 major cities last week, and the government may be forced to ban or fine heavily polluting traffic. The cities will likely have to introduce low-emission zones to curb nitrogen dioxide emissions, which, in addition to particulate matter, are recognized by the government as the second biggest public health threat after smoking. Air pollution reduces U.K. life expectancy by up to eight months, according to government statistics, and costs the country over $30 billion a year. Nine additional U.K. cities have been given more time to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution, and the Commission will decide if plans for 17 other cities, towns, and regions, including London, are adequate. For the full story, see http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jun/28/uk-cities-ban-polluting-traffic and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18617815.