Request ID: FOI-3040-2223 Date published: 13 March 2023
You asked
Hi
What further analysis and investigations have been completed following the publication in December 2022 by the University of Cambridge on the dangerous levels of air pollution on the London Underground has been completed?
These found levels were more harmful than surface travel and higher than comparable networks in other countries.
What measures have been or are due to be put in place to remedy the potentially harmful impacts on the public using the underground network? Have any of the measures mentioned in the report been adopted?
Reference to publication from Cambridge https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/london-underground-pollution
We answered
TfL Ref: 3040-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 February 2023 asking for information about London Underground air quality.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: what further analysis and investigations have been completed following the publication in December 2022 by the University of Cambridge on the dangerous levels of air pollution on the London Underground has been completed? These found levels were more harmful than surface travel and higher than comparable networks in other countries. What measures have been or are due to be put in place to remedy the potentially harmful impacts on the public using the underground network? Have any of the measures mentioned in the report been adopted? Reference to publication from Cambridge https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/london-underground-pollution
TfL met with the Cambridge researchers to discuss their research in more detail and to understand any further research which they are going to undertake. Air pollution arises from a number of substances of which particulate matter (PM), which was the subject of the Cambridge research, was one.
Particulate matter levels are higher on the Underground than on the surface because they are being generated in a more contained area however levels of the other substances which contribute to pollution and, which are arguably more harmful, are lower. PM levels on the Underground are below HSE recommendations and in general are fully complaint with the recommendations of the Institute of Occupational Medicine on respirable dust exposures which are set at ΒΌ of the regulatory limit.
The degree to which this PM may impact on health is still unknown and TfL is currently undertaking an epidemiological study to look into this further.
TfL continues to explore measures to reduce PM through seeking new innovative ways of removing particulate matter especially the particulate matter which cannot be captured through normal cleaning methods. The report suggested use of magnetic filters in ventilation which has been considered, cleaning of the tracks and tunnel walls or placing screen doors between platforms and trains (where space and dimensions allow this is in place). TfL currently carry out a cleaning of the track floor and tunnel walls, which incorporates the use of Backpack Vacuums and is undertaken through a targeted approach.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
