New research has found that improvements in air quality following the introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are associated with improved lung growth among children.

Researchers from Imperial College London studied children attending primary schools across London, examining changes in their lung function alongside exposure to air pollution before and after the introduction of ULEZ.

The findings indicate that children experiencing greater reductions in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution also showed greater improvements in lung growth, providing evidence of the potential health benefits of reducing traffic-related air pollution.

Researchers said children’s developing lungs are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, with reduced lung function in childhood potentially affecting respiratory health into adulthood.

The study provides new evidence on the impact of London’s clean-air policies on children’s health, alongside previously documented reductions in air pollution following the introduction and expansion of ULEZ.