Children's stunted lungs recover in London's ultra low emission zone, study finds

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

A study of over 3,400 primary school children in London and Luton found that lung growth in London children, stunted by air pollution, accelerated after the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in 2019, nearly catching up with their Luton peers within four years. The proportion of London children with clinically impaired lung capacity fell from 14% to 9%. Researchers called the speed of recovery 'stunning' and say it provides strong evidence that clean air zones can mitigate pollution's harm.