2018 Review of the Year Part 2 Independent, 27 December 2018
A review of the year refers to a report by from King’s which revealed that the total capacity of renewable energy sources overtook fossil fuels for the first time in 2018. i also referenced this report.
A report by researchers at King’s found that total capacity from renewables has over taken that of fossil fuels for the first time.
Global Action Plan advice on how to reduce exposure to air pollution London Evening Standard, 24 December 2018
Article, in association with Uber, on how to reduce air pollution in London that cites a King's study.
Pollution watch: why cleaning the air is like taking milk out of teaGuardian, 21 December 2018
Legal plastic content in animal feed could harm human health, experts warn Guardian, 16 December 2018
Small bits of plastic packaging from waste food make their way into animal feed as part of the UK's recycling process. Dr Stephanie Wright, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments.
Article by Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical & Environmental Sciences, on China's efforts to install air purifiers in Xi'an.
Pollutionwatch: remembering world's deadly smogs - Gary Fuller 6th December
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/06/pollutionwatch-remembering-worlds-deadly-smogs
Open fires will see pollution in the home rise this Christmas, expert warnsLondon Evening Standard, 5 December 2018
Ian Colbeck, Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Essex, says there are steps we can all take to reduce air pollution over Christmas with indoor pollution most often the greater concern. King’s research on air quality is referenced.
Design matters most for anti-pollution masksNew Scientist, 1 December 2018
Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments on the use of anti-pollution masks.
Cyclists unmasked Metro, 29 November 2018
Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, is quoted in a piece on efforts to improve air quality.
Revealed: Five ways to cut your exposure to air pollution and boost your health Daily Telegraph, 26 November 2018
Last month the World Health Organization warned that 90 per cent of the world's children live in areas where the air breaches pollution guidelines. Researchers at King’s Environmental Research Group put pollution monitors on people commuting into central London and found that when they took quieter routes levels of exposure fell significantly.
Pollution isn't just cars and coal, it's candles too Daily Telegraph, 26 November 2018
Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, talks about air pollution. Dr Fuller also spoke to Wired and on News Talk.
School tries to combat pollution by raising cash to buy face masks Guardian, 24 November 2018
Schools across the UK are taking ever more drastic steps in an effort to mitigate the effects of air pollution on their pupils’ health. Dr Ian Mudway, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, commented on air pollution in the wake of schools taking steps to protect pupils’ health.
Research from King’s has found that air pollution is stunting the growth of children’s lungs placing them at risk of lung disease, severe asthma attacks and early death. Dr Gary Fuller and Dr Benjamin Barratt, Analytical and Environmental Sciences provided comment on the issue. TheDaily Telegraph, Times, Daily Mail(1) (2), Guardian, Daily Express, London Evening Standard (1) (2), BBC London (1) (2), Lancet,British Medical Journal and BBC News reported.
Plastic Pollution
Research from Austria has found traces of micro plastics in humans for the first time, leading to fears they could be causing a raft of health and fertility problems. Dr Stephanie Wright, Analytical and Environmental Studies, commented on the study in The Daily Telegraph, Times, Daily Mail, Metro,New York Times, China Daily, Deccan Chronicle ,TheWeek CNN, Wired and NDTV.
Air Pollution BBC World Service, 29 September 2018
Ritula Shah talks to health and public policy experts about the risks posed by polluted air. Features Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences.
Air pollution linked to higher mouth cancer risk Times, 10 October 2018
Exposure to air pollution has been linked to a raised risk of developing mouth cancer in a study from Taiwan. King’s research on air quality is mentioned.
Home sweet home? Mine is polluted Times, 9 October 2018
News feature discussing polluted air, which cites a study by King's on the link between air pollution and dementia. Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, commented on the issue in the Financial Times.
How to avoid air pollution Guardian, 8 October 2018
King’s research on air quality is referenced.
Air Quality BBC Radio 4, 4 October 2018
Andrew Grieve, Air Quality Analyst at the Environmental Research Group at King's College London, comments on the purity of the air.
Air pollution linked to greater risk of mouth cancer, finds study
The Guardian - 09/10/2018
Research in Taiwan has show a link between very high levels of air pollution and oral cancer
Air pollution linked to higher risk of dementia, study suggests (Web)
The Independent - 19/09/2018
Air pollution may be linked with an increased risk of developing dementia, research suggests. A London-based study, published in BMJ Open, found an association between the neurodegenerative condition and exposure to nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particles known as PM2.5. The researchers, from the University of London, Imperial College and King's College London, used anonymous patient health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which collects data from GP practices.
Air pollution causes jump in dementia risk, study suggests (Web)
Guardian.co.uk - 19/09/2018
Air pollution may increase the chance of developing dementia, a study has suggested, in fresh evidence that the health of people of all ages is at risk from breathing dirty air. Frank Kelly, professor of environmental health at King's College London and one of the authors of the paper, told the Guardian: "The study outcome suggests a linkage [between air pollution and dementia] but cannot inform on the cause".
New alarm over toxic air pollution as experts find link to cases of dementia (Web)
Express.co.uk - 19/09/2018
Air pollution may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, according to research out today. The study found an association between the condition and exposure to nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particles of pollutants. Researchers from the University of London, Imperial College and King's College London used anonymous patient health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which collects data from GP practices.
Researchers 'find air pollution link to dementia'
i - 19/09/2018
p11 News. Sally Wardle.
Air pollution may be linked with an increased risk of developing dementia, research suggests. A study, published in journal BMJ Open, found an association between the neurodegenerative condition and exposure to nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particles known as PM2.5. Researchers from the University of London, Imperial College and King's College London used anonymous patient health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which collects data from GP practices.
New alarm over toxic air pollution as experts find link to cases of dementia
Daily Express - 19/09/2018
p9 News. Gillian Crawley.
AIR pollution may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, according to research out today. Researchers from the University of London, Imperial College and King's College London used anonymous patient health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which collects data from GP practices.
We must tackle pollution
Daily Express - 19/09/2018
p12 Editorial Opinion Columns.
AIR pollution is now linked to so much ill health and the latest findings suggest that it is also associated with an increased risk of dementia.
40% higher chance of dementia in bad air spots
Daily Mirror - 19/09/2018
p2 News. Martin Bagot .
LIVING in areas of high air pollution increases the risk of dementia by 40%, a study suggests. The University of London, Imperial College and King's College London study found those living in areas with the top fifth of nitrogen dioxide levels had a much higher risk of suffering.
The Papers (Web)
BBC News - 19/09/2018
"Dementia threat soars in areas hit by pollution" is the headline on the front page of the Times, which reports on the same study. Senior author Frank Kelly, of King's College London, tells the paper that while the study's result were not conclusive "it is increasingly appreciated that the impacts of air pollution on health are seen far beyond the lungs."
Researchers discover air pollution in cities can increase the risk of dementia by 40pc
Daily Telegraph - 19/09/2018
p2 News. Henry Bodkin.
LIVING in a highly polluted area may increase the risk of dementia by as much as 40 per cent, a new study suggests. London-based research, published in the journal BMJ Open, found an association between the neurodegenerative condition and exposure to nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particles. "Our results suggest both regional and urban background pollutants may be as important as near-traffic pollutants," wrote the scientists from the University of London, Imperial College and King's College London.
Dementia threat soars in areas hit by pollution
The Times - 19/09/2018
p1 News. Chris Smyth .
Living in a polluted area increases the risk of dementia by up to 40 per cent, the first British study of its kind has found. Frank Kelly, of King's College London, senior author of the study, said that while results were not conclusive "it is increasingly appreciated that the impacts of air pollution on health are seen far beyond the lungs".
Toxic air 'to blame for 60,000 cases of dementia'
Daily Mail - 19/09/2018
p1 News. Ben Spencer .
AIR pollution could be responsible for 60,000 cases of dementia in the UK, a major study suggests. One in 14 cases of dementia may be caused by air pollution, researchers from King's College London and St George's, University of London, have calculated.
The Sadiq Khan audit: can Mayor win pollution battle... or is it all hot air?London Evening Standard, 6 September 2018
King’s research on air quality is mentioned in an article about the progress made in London by Mayor, Sadiq Khan.
Drivers face £20 on-the-spot fine for leaving their motor runningTimes, 3 August 2018
King’s research on the impact of engine emissions is mentioned in a piece on the fining of drivers for leaving their motors idling in a London borough.
Parking fees hit £7.35 an hour to fight central London's toxic airLondon Evening Standard, 27 July 2018.
King’s data on London air quality is cited in a piece on parking fees in central London
London laces up to become world's most 'walkable' city Daily Mail, 20 July 2018
King’s research on air quality is mentioned in a piece on London becoming a ‘walkable’ city.
Air Pollution BBC Radio 4, 18 July 2018
Programme looking at air pollution features interview with Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences.
Illegal levels of air pollution linked to child's deathBBC News, 4 July 2018
A nine-year-old girl's fatal asthma attack has been linked to illegally high levels of air pollution. King’s data on air pollution is referenced.
British children exposed to 30 pct more pollution than adults on walk to school: study Xinhuanet English, 25 June 2018
During road closures for the London Marathon, traffic-free streets saw pollution levels drop by 89 percent, according to research by Kings.
Reality Check: Do clean air zones work?BBC News, 27 June 2018
Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments on the effectiveness of ‘clean air zones’.
High street hot spots blighted by toxic airLondon Evening Standard, 21 June 2018
Extreme toxic air is impacting at least nine areas of London, according to figures published by King's. Includes comment by Andrew Grieve, Analytical and Environmental Sciences. Also, comments from Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, were reported by the London Evening Standard.
UK cities are already taking action against air pollution - and motorists will pay the priceDaily Mail, 21 June 2018
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments on efforts to decrease air pollution.
Killer's TV bid for justice backfires as show blows holes in his storySunday Mirror, 17 June 2018
Professor Denise Syndercombe-Court, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, features as an expert examining a disputed murder case.
Murder in Suburbia BBC 2 Conviction, 19 & 20 June 2018
Professor Denise Syndercombe-Court, Forensic Science, appeared in a two-part documentary (1) (2) giving her expert view on the forensic evidence in a 2013 murder case.
Pollutionwatch: May brought high levels of damaging ozone,
The Guardian, 7 June 2018
How is pollution affecting our health? Financial Times, 31 May 2018
Dr Ian Mudway, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, was a member of a panel discussing air pollution.
Plastic fibres in our clothes could be a risk to our health, study showsLondon Evening Standard, 30 May 2018
Tiny plastic fibres from your clothing could pose a risk to your health if you breathe them in, a King’s study claims. This was also reported by BBC Radio 4.
Burning issue: Are wood-burning stoves going to get the chop? Guardian, 27 May 2018
King’s research on the impact of wood burners on air quality is referenced in a feature on a possible ban.
Air pollution is worse inside classrooms than London streetsDaily Mail, 25 May 2018
Air inside classrooms is more polluted than outside, new research involving King’s suggests.
Plastic Pollution BBC Radio 4, 24 May 2018
Interview with Dr Stephanie Wright, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, regarding plastic pollution.
Air Quality BBC London 94.9 FM, 23 May 2018
Researchers from King's has found that air pollution in Tower Hamlets has reduced the lung capacity of 8 and 9-year-olds in the area.
Ron Cousins: The Bible pages murder still baffling policeBBC News, 23 May 2018
Professor Denise Syndercombe-Court, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, commented on the case of the murder of 78 year-old Ron Cousins.
Air Quality BBC Radio Five Live 5 Live Drive, 22 May 2018
The UK Government has announced a new clean air strategy, which aims to reduce harmful pollution. Includes interview with Dr Martin Williams, Analytical and Environmental Sciences.
More than 8,000 people call on Sadiq Khan to launch London's first-ever 'Car Free Day' London Evening Standard, 6 May 2018
As part of a drive to cut air pollution in the capital, nearly 100 organisations, including King’s, have urged the Mayor of London to ban private cars on September 22.
Exposed: Cocaine fortunes down pan Daily Star Sunday, 6 May 2018
Dr Leon Barron, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, tested waste water plants for traces of cocaine. The Daily Mail also reported.
Burning question
Researchers at King's College London say that DNA tests will soon be able to gauge a person's susceptibility to sunburn and skin cancer. The story was covered in The Independent. It was also reported in the Deccan Chronicle and The Times
Sneeze trackers London Evening Standard, 30 April 2018
A King's app which alerts users on days when pollution is forecast to be high featured in a list of pollution-tracking apps.
UK police could now start using genealogy DNA databases to catch criminalsDaily Mail, 29 April 2018
Professor Denise Syndercombe Court, Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, highlighted the ethical and privacy issues raised by the technique.
New fingerprint kit hits trade in ivory poaching Sunday Express, 29 April 2018
Dr Leon Barron, Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, has been working to develop a system to stop ivory poaching.
Air pollution warningTimes, 28 April 2018
An estimated 50 million years of human life could be lost in the UK by 2154 if action is not taken to reduce air pollution, according to a King’s study. The Daily Mail, Sun, BBC 1 Breakfast, BBC London and BBC Radio Five Live reported.
Pollution Reduction BBC 1, 27 April 2018
Sir John Cass's Primary School in Aldgate has successfully cut its annual pollution levels to below the legal limit. The data has been verified by King's College London.
Revealed: The top 10 air pollution hotspots in the UKCity AM, 25 April 2018
At the end of January, King's said the capital had officially reached its legal air pollution limit for the entire year. Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, commented on the impact of wood burners on air pollution for the Times.
London MarathonTimes, 24 April 2018
Air pollution fell by almost 90 per cent on a road closed for the London Marathon, according to King’s monitoring. The Daily Mail,London Evening Standard and Huffington Post mentioned the finding in a piece about a runner who died during the race.
Artist's 'pollution pods' highlight global air quality problem Reuters, 21 April 2018
Piece on an art installation highlighting global air pollution mentions King’s research on the impact of pollution. Dr Ian Mudway, Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, commented in the Independent on the use of technology being used to placate the issue.
This is why air pollution is so bad during the Spring and Summer Huffington Post, 19 April 2018
Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, discusses the causes of air pollution on a seasonal basis.
Air of mystery Guardian, 14 April 2018
In an article on air quality Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Services, commented on the incident at Birling Gap on the South Coast where a toxic cloud appeared.
Wood-burning stoves are in fashion but cause serious pollution
The Economist, 9 April 2018
Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical & Environmental Sciences, has calculated that wood-burning is responsible for between 23% and 31% of all the fine particles generated in the cities of Birmingham and London.
Want to cut fumes you breathe? Avoid deep Tubes and busy roads
London Evening Standard, 6 April 2018
Commuters in London can dramatically slash their exposure to air pollution by ditching journeys on deep Tube lines and going along quieter roads, according to a study by scientists at King's.
The List: clean air spots London Evening Standard, 22 March 2018
King’s has tested technology being used to measure air standards in London.
Why we should worry about plastic in the air Daily Mail, 19 March 2018
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental and Forensic Sciences, writes on the level of pollutants in plastics.
Is hairspray really wrecking the planet? New Scientist, 24 February 2018; While people think of car exhausts, large factories and open fires when talking about air pollution, the biggest source of air pollution is actually household items such as shampoo and hairspray. Includes a quote from Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences.
The British Embassy in Zimbabwe has published a blog article about a new fingerprinting kit developed by Dr Leon Barron, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science in the Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences.
Pollutionwatch: wood burning is not climate friendly; The Guardian, Dr Gary Fuller 1 March 2018
Cleaning products a big source of urban air pollution, say scientistsGuardian, 16 February 2018
Household cleaners, paints and perfumes have become substantial sources of urban air pollution, scientists say. Dr David Green, Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, is quoted.
London has already breached its 2018 pollution limit. For some of us, that could be life threateningiNews, 8 February 2018
It’s only February and yet recent figures from King’s have revealed that London’s air pollution levels have already been breached for 2018
‘We saw birds that fell from the sky’ Independent, 8 February 2018
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, comments on air quality in London.
DNA BBC 1 London, 7 February 2018
There are concerns that hundreds of legal cases could be in jeopardy after the collapse of a private forensics company. Dr David Ballard, Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, comments.
House of Lords peers criticised for 'propagating bike lane myths'Guardian, 5 February 2018
Cycling organisations have condemned members of the House of Lords for claiming bike lanes worsen pollution. Andrew Grieve, Environmental Research Group, is quoted.
Why glitter is so toxic some scientists want it BANNED Daily Mail, 1 February 2018
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments in a piece on the dangers of glitter.
Monkeys? Humans? The ethics of testing diesel fumes BBC News, 31 January 2018
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments.
Air Pollution
This week there were various stories on air pollution in the news. Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, commented on BBC 2 Newsnight and BBC Radio Scotland about wood burning stoves. Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, also commented on this for BBC News. Brixton Road breaching EU air pollution limits was covered by City AM, Daily MailandBloomberg. The announcement that the Mayor of London will be partnering with King’s on air pollution monitoring was covered by BBC News.
Air Pollution BBC Radio Five Live, 25 January 2018
Feature on air pollution exposure for pedestrians, which includes contribution by Dr Gary Fuller.
Air pollution exposed: Why you might be breathing in tyre waste Huffington Post, 25 January 2017
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments on claims that tyre waste is polluting the air.
London's low-emission bus zones hailed for 'improving toxic air levels overnight' London Evening Standard, 15 January 2018
Low-emission bus zones on some of London’s most polluted high streets have been praised for leading to an ‘overnight improvement’ for toxic air levels. Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments.
Reality Check: Is Beijing's air quality better this winter? BBC News, 9 January 2018
Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments on Chinese air quality.
London air pollution live data – where will be first to break legal limits in 2018? Guardian, 2 January 2018 The live tracking is based on data collected by King’s.
Pollution breached EU limits at nearly 50 sites in London last year London Evening Standard, 5 January 2018
London's toxic air crisis was laid bare by new figures showing it breached EU legal limits in nearly 50 pollution blackspots in London last year. Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical and Environmental Science, comments.