London Ulez Cut Impaired Child Lungs to 9% as 3,400-Pupil Study Found Catch-Up Growth
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 18
London Ulez Cut Impaired Child Lungs to 9% as 3,400-Pupil Study Found Catch-Up Growth
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 18
Summary
More than 3,400 children tracked for five years showed London pupils' lung growth accelerated after the 2019 Ultra Low Emission Zone, leaving their lung capacity near identical to a control group in Luton.
The study linked that catch-up to faster falls in nitrogen dioxide exposure in London, where older high-emission vehicles faced daily charges under Ulez.
Clinically impaired lung capacity in London fell to 9% from 14%, compared with 7% from 9% in Luton, suggesting cleaner air narrowed an earlier health gap.
Independent researchers called the work strong evidence for clean air zones but said Covid-era effects and other differences between London and Luton still need to be weighed.
The Lancet Public Health study adds to a politically contested debate over Ulez and suggests local clean-air rules could bring lifelong health gains for children in polluted cities.