Walking in quieter side streets in London can reduce the amount of harm caused by diesel fumes, according to the latest study.

A researcher used a hand-held monitor to measure levels of sooty black pollution while walking between Whitechapel and Moorgate.

By going on these quieter roads the toxic peaks of exposure to fine particles which can lodge into your lungs, was reduced.

When compared to doing the same journey by taking major roads the amount of black carbon exceeded 10,000 nanograms per cubic metre every five minutes.

UK pollution guidelines recommend that exposure to the particles should not exceed 35,000 nanograms over a 24-hour period.

Fine particles, known as PM2.5s, are mostly produced by diesel engines.

London is one of the most polluted cities for black carbon in Europe, ways that people might be able to reduce their own exposure are of interest, and we wanted to see whether walking quieter, side-street routes might help to do this.

Our study suggests that, in London, it is possible to reduce exposure to peaks of black carbon particles (mainly from diesel soot) by choosing to walk a less polluted route.

– LEE KOH, RESEARCHER FROM UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

The difference between non-peak pollution levels on main and side roads was not statistically significant.

But Mrs Koh added that peaks happen when higher pollution levels are present such as when you stop to cross a busy road compared to when you walk away from traffic.

The findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in Amsterdam.

Source: Walking in side streets ‘reduces harm from air pollution’ | London – ITV News