Clean Air Zones work! The CHILL study results are out and ULEZ is a success for lung health!

Traffic-related air pollution is a risk factor for lung disease and early mortality. Clean air zones are public health policy interventions used to reduce traffic-related air pollution in urban areas. The CHILL study was a natural experiment study evaluating the impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London. The impact of the ULEZ on children's lung function growth trajectories was assessed, by comparing forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measurements over 5 years between children in London and Luton, UK. Spoiler alert: not only did ULEZ reduce traffic related air pollution and allow the children in London's lungs to develop, their lung function growth accelerated so that they caught up with the children in Luton in just 4years! 

This is great news for eh Respiratory community, for residents, and for all those fighting for Public Health interventions!