A recent study indicates that children's lung capacity in London improved significantly after the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in 2019. Researchers observed that lung growth in children exposed to higher pollution levels began to catch up with peers in less polluted areas, suggesting that clean air initiatives can have immediate health benefits.
The study followed over 3,400 children and found that the percentage of those with clinically impaired lung capacity decreased from 14% to 9% in London. This improvement is attributed to reduced nitrogen dioxide exposure, highlighting the potential for clean air policies to enhance public health outcomes.