ULEZ linked to improved child lung growth

A major study led by Queen Mary University of London, published in The Lancet Public Health, found that air quality improvements following the introduction of United Kingdom — London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are associated with accelerated lung growth in children. The five-year CHILL study monitored over 3,400 children aged 6-9 from 84 primary schools in United Kingdom — London and United Kingdom — Luton, with United Kingdom — Luton serving as a control. Initially, United Kingdom — London children had significantly smaller lungs than those in United Kingdom — Luton, but after ULEZ implementation, their lung growth accelerated to match United Kingdom — Luton children. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) fell twice as fast in United Kingdom — London, and FEV1 increased by 10ml per year more than in United Kingdom — Luton. The proportion of children with clinically impaired lung function fell from 14% to 9% in United Kingdom — London, compared to 9% to 7% in United Kingdom — Luton. The study was funded by the United Kingdom — National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and involved collaboration with Imperial College London and several universities. Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the findings as proof that ULEZ was the right decision, while critics noted potential confounding factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increased active travel. The study provides strong evidence that clean air zones can improve children's health.