Scientists stunned by children's lung recovery in ultra low emission zone

Scientists are astonished by the rapid lung recovery observed in young children living in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). Researchers discovered that children in London, whose lung growth had been hindered by pollution, experienced significant improvements after the introduction of the Ulez in 2019, which reduced emissions.

The study involved over 3,400 primary school children in London and Luton, providing strong evidence that local clean air zones can help mitigate the harm caused by pollution during childhood. However, independent researchers emphasize that other factors should also be taken into account. Air pollution can stunt lung growth in children, leaving them at a higher risk of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and premature death.

Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and immune systems, and they tend to be closer to sources of exhaust fumes when outside. In 2020, a nine-year-old girl named Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah from London became the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. In the study, children aged six to nine years were recruited from primary schools in London's Ulez and followed for five years, comparing them to similar children in Luton.

Lung function tests revealed that children in London's group had smaller lung capacity than those in Luton, but by the end of the study, the children's lung capacity in London had nearly caught up with their counterparts in Luton. Researchers noted that this rapid catch-up in lung capacity was surprising and impressive, suggesting that the ambitious clean air zone policy can quickly restore children's stunted lung growth.

The study also showed that the proportion of children with clinically impaired lung capacity fell from 14% to 9% in London, compared to 9% to 7% in Luton. The reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels, a harmful pollutant, was also greater in London than in Luton, indicating that the improvements in lung growth were likely due to the air quality enhancements resulting from the Ulez implementation.

While the results are promising, experts stress that air pollution in both cities and other urban areas remains above World Health Organization guideline levels, and there is still work to be done.