Category Archives: London

Ground-level ozone causes spring smog

During the 1950s when London was enveloped in pea-souper smogs, Los Angeles was struggling with a quite different air pollution problem. The London smogs were caused by coal smoke becoming trapped in the city in cold still conditions, whereas Los … Continue reading

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Air pollution affects my life on a day-to-day basis

Rosalind Dalton has lived in the Royal Borough of Greenwich for 25 years, close to the A102 pictured. A couple of years ago she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. This is a condition often associated with smoking, … Continue reading

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UK government failing legal duty on air pollution, supreme court rules

The UK government has failed in its legal duty to protect people from the harmful effects of air pollution, the supreme court ruled on Wednesday. The ruling by five judges – the first time a UK court has recognised that … Continue reading

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UK could face EU fines for “massaging” London’s pollution data

European Commission also preparing to sue UK over NO2 as part of air quality crackdown The European Commission is considering fresh legal action over the UK’s pollution problem following allegations London officials “massaged” air quality data last year in order … Continue reading

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UK air pollution: why are we only now waking up to this public health crisis?

When Justin Bieber collapsed last week at the O2 arena in London and was taken to a private clinic feeling “short of breath” and needing oxygen, the rumours started flying that he had had an asthma attack. They were denied … Continue reading

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Councillor calls for Bristol Low Emission Zone to fight air pollution

A Bristol councillor is calling for a London-style Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city centre – for which the most polluting vehicles will be forced to pay a fee to enter. Cllr Mark Wright said residents – particularly cyclists … Continue reading

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Invisibility of pollution implies such problems are past

The invisibility of modern air pollution gives the impression that air pollution problems are a thing of the past. Today is it rare to see persistent black smoke from a factory chimney or clouds of thick black smoke from traffic. … Continue reading

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Court reserves UK air quality ruling

The Supreme Court has reserved judgement on the UK’s breaches of EU air pollution laws. The government admits air quality laws will be breached in 15 regions until 2020. Londoners will have to wait until 2025 for pollution to enter … Continue reading

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