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

Scientists stunned by children's lung recovery in ultra low emission zone 2 hours ago Smitha MundasadHealth reporter BBC Children had lung function tests every year Scientists say they have been "stunned" by how quickly young children's lungs began to recover and grow after pollution restrictions were brought in where they lived. Researchers found that children in London whose lung growth had been stunted by pollution showed impressive improvements after the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in 2019 reduced emissions. The study followed more than 3,400 primary school children in London and Luton and provides what scientists believe is the strongest evidence yet that local clean air zones could help reduce some of the harm caused by pollution during childhood. But independent researchers caution that other factors must also be considered. Air pollution can stunt the growth of young children's lungs leaving them at an increased risk of asthma, heart disease, diabetes and even premature death. Children are also more vulnerable to pollution because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. And when outside, they tend to be closer to the ground and nearer sources of exhaust fumes, for example. In 2020 Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old girl from London who died following an asthma attack in 2013, became the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death . In the study, researchers recruited six to ni…