Cleaner air may help children’s lungs grow better: Lessons from London study

A study published in The Lancet suggests that cleaner air may lead to better lung growth in children. The research, which examined the effects of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London, found that children in the city experienced faster lung growth compared to those in Luton, a city without a clean-air zone. This is significant because childhood is a critical period for lung development, and failing to reach full lung capacity can increase the risk of breathing problems and other health issues later in life.

The study followed over 3,400 children between the ages of six and nine, tracking their lung function and exposure to air pollution for five years. Before the ULEZ was implemented, London children had slightly smaller lung capacity and were exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant from vehicle exhaust. However, after the ULEZ was introduced, London children's lung growth accelerated, with their lung capacity increasing by an average of 10 millilitres more each year.

After four years, the gap in lung capacity between London and Luton children had nearly disappeared. Additionally, the proportion of children with clinically impaired lung function decreased in London from 14% to 9%. While the study does not prove that the ULEZ alone caused the improvements, it provides strong evidence that reducing air pollution can positively impact children's lung development.

The findings emphasize the importance of cities implementing clean-air zones to improve children's health.