Air Quality News reports about a study from the University of Bath about major health benefits of London’s Low and Ultra-Low Emission Zone (LEZ and ULEZ). This is important! It’s another study that shows when we fix air pollution, people’s physical and mental health is better. They also need fewer work absences.

The study found that both the initial LEZ and the subsequent ULEZ led to less air pollution of both nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and coarse particle pollution (PM10). As a result, people were almost 19% less likely to use sick leave. There was about 7% fewer general health problems and about 10% fewer respiratory problems. Also very important: after the ULEZ, people reported stronger feelings of happiness, worthiness, and satisfaction and an 11% reduction in anxiety.

The Greater London LEZ (covers a bigger part of the city) and Central London ULEZ (only covers the central area) was implemented in stages over more than 10 years, to give people time to adapt. Phase 1 and 2 of the larger LEZ were in early and mid 2008, then the central ULEZ was implemented in 2019.

The study found that both the LEZ and ULEZ reduced traffic, and thereby reduced NO2 and PM10. The LEZ reduced NO2 by about 6% and the ULEZ reduced NO2 by 21%. For PM10, the LEZ reduced it by about 10% and the ULEZ reduced PM10 by about 15%.

This is really major, showing real world changes in health when we reduce traffic pollution! There was better health, better mental health, and reduced use of sick leave. As we say: #HealthyAirIsHealthCare! It’s one of the best things we can do to prevent illness and promote health.

Please read the news article from Air Quality News here.

You can read the scientific study here.

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