Ulez led to better lung size and function among London children, study finds
Summary
A study found that children’s lung size and function improved after London introduced a low-emission zone (Ulez) to restrict the most polluting vehicles. The research showed that reducing traffic pollution helped restore lung development in children who had been exposed to harmful air for years.Key Facts
- London introduced the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in 2019 to limit polluting vehicles.
- Researchers tracked lung health of about 1,600 London children and compared them to 1,750 children in Luton, which had no low-emission zone.
- Before Ulez, London children had smaller lungs than those in Luton due to air pollution exposure.
- After Ulez started, lung size and function of London children improved to match those of Luton children.
- Nitrogen dioxide, a harmful pollutant from traffic, was reduced faster and more significantly in London than in Luton.
- The study links cleaner air directly to better lung development and long-term health benefits.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan supported the Ulez, citing public health benefits despite initial opposition.
- Health experts said the findings highlight the importance of clean air policies for children’s health.
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