Request ID: FOI-3177-2223 Date published: 16 March 2023
You asked
I am looking into the damage that the dust on the underground can cause long term.And possibly what tfl are planning on taking action on our health as the london mayor is so concerned about the air quality that we breath above ground.id like to know what they plan to do on there network.
We answered
TfL Ref: 3177-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 26 February 2023 asking for information about air quality on the London Underground.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: I am looking into the damage that the dust on the underground can cause long term, and possibly what TfL are planning on taking action on our health as the London Mayor is so concerned about the air quality that we breath above ground. I’d like to know what they plan to do on the network.
Dust levels on the London Underground are within the limits set by the Health and Safety Executive with respect to inhalable and respirable dust workplace exposure standards (COSHH Regulations and EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits). The most recent monitoring data showed a respirable dust level of 0.57 mg/m3, which is well within the more stringent limits recommended by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (1 mg/m3 for respirable dust and 5 mg/m3 for inhalable dust). However we want to reduce levels further through our programme of targeted cleaning on the Underground and regular monitoring levels of tube dust. We are looking for innovative new ways to further reduce dust levels.
TfL engaged fully with the COMEAP[1] report "Particulate Pollution on the London Underground" (2017) which recommended further research into the characteristics and concentration of Tube dust particulates and potential health impacts. TfL therefore commissioned Imperial College London to independently examine the possible health impacts experienced by London Underground workers who are most regularly exposed to tunnel dust. This includes investigating sickness absence in relation to dust exposure and examining pensions data to see if historical exposure to tube dust is associated with deaths due to lung or heart disease, which is due to be published in 2024/25.
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
[1]COMEAP is the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants
