Pollution in Putney High Street is falling
To counter the usual wild claims that pollution in PHS is soaring, the evidence shows the opposite. The kerbside monitor there recorded, for example, an annual average level of NO2 in 2018 of 67 mcg/m3, which by last year had almost halved, to 36 mcg/m3 (data from https://www.londonair.org.uk/LondonAir/LATools/MonthlyAverages.aspx).Furthermore, research from Bath University (in the in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167268125001143) based on the analysis of over a decade of data from Greater London and Central London, found that the introduction of the LEZ in 2008 and the ULEZ in 2019 significantly reduced harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10), resulting - and this is the key point - in a dramatic drop in sick leave in Greater London, and improved mental well-being and substantial cost savings. Key findings were:* An 18.5% reduction in sick leave following LEZ implementation* A 6.8% drop in the incidence of health problems* An 10.2% decrease in respiratory issues* Reported improvements in happiness, life satisfaction, and reduced anxiety.* Annual public health savings of over £37 million, driven by fewer respiratory illnesses and reduced job absenteeism thanks to low emission zones.Altogether, rather good news.
Richard Carter ● 540d35 Comments ● 530d