Researchers at The University of Sheffield looked into almost 3,000 stroke deaths in city hospitals over four years and analysed the council's air pollution data to come up with their findings.
After taking out of the equation cigarette smoking and social deprivation – which both increase the risk of stroke – researchers discovered as many as 11 per cent of stroke deaths across the city could be linked to outdoor air pollution, caused mostly by traffic fumes.
Dr Ravi Maheswaran, who led the study into 2,979 deaths, said the figures were an estimate based on a computer model created to analyse the data.
He said more research will be needed before a definite link can be proved.
It is already known exposure to pollution increases the risk of heart disease. But it is not yet clear how pollution could lead to a stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or damage to an artery.
Strokes can kill, or cause severe problems such as paralysis, loss of speech and swallowing difficulties.
The impact of the condition was highlighted at the GMB union conference, which found Sheffield ranked second in a Yorkshire and Humberside stroke league table. Some 443 Sheffield people a year needed help at home as they recovered.
The union is calling for better planning between the NHS and social services to ensure there is enough care and support for patients when they leave hospital.
Mark Daly, Air Quality Officer at Sheffield Council, said traffic fumes were the main cause of pollution in Sheffield, as there is now virtually no heavy industry in the city.
He said the city has long monitored pollution levels and there is an issue not only in Tinsley, which borders the M1, but many places across the city at junctions where there is traffic congestion and pollution levels rise.
Long-term plans to tackle traffic problems include the possibility of returning bus company ownership to councils, which would encourage more people to use public transport and cut congestion.