Toxic Air in London?
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London’s air pollution crisis was put out to pasture on Wednesday, with figures showing that every person in the capital is breathing air that exceeds global guidelines for toxicity. Research is based on the latest London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory and shows that every area in the capital exceeds World Health Organisation limits for a particle known as PM2.5.
This particle is derived from road traffic fumes cars put into the air.
7.9 million Londoners, near 95% of the population in the capital, live in the areas that exceed the limit by 50% or more.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan described these findings as ‘sickening’ and can lead to serious health problems for the population, especially children. Health experts say that younger people exposed to these toxic pollutants are more likely to developer asthma and lung function.
Khan said:
‘We should be ashamed that our young people – the next generation of Londoners – are being exposed to these tiny particles of toxic dust that are seriously damaging their lungs and shortening their life expectancy.’
The mayor plans to limit the use of wood-burning stoves in the capital from 2025 and tighten up regulations to make stoves as clean as possible from 2022. He has also set out a few plans to tackle the pollution created by diesel cars in London too. Campaigners for clean air have welcomed the changes Khan has put in place, but have called on more immediate action considering these findings.
Basically, in short, don’t move to London.