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Children in London whose lungs were damaged by air pollution have seen a significant improvement in lung function since the city’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) came into effect, a new study has found. 

The study monitored 3,400 schoolchildren before and after the introduction of the Ulez, which charges motorists of more polluting cars to drive in the capital.  

Researchers found that, pre-Ulez, children in the capital had significantly smaller lungs compared to children living in nearby Luton. However, five years after the Ulez, their lungs were comparable in both size and function with the those of Luton’s children.

The study, led by Queen Mary University of London, noted that the proportion of children with impaired lung function fell from 14% to 9% in London following the introduction of the Ulez, compared with a fall from 9% to 7% in Luton. 

“We already knew that the Ulez reduced air pollution but now we know that children’s lung health has improved at the same time, which is a really important finding,” said lead author Dr Helen Wood, research fellow at the university. 

However, she warned that air pollution in both London and Luton, plus other UK cities, remains above guideline levels. “There is still work to be done,” she said. 

Image: Angel Santana Garcia