Our prettiest pollutant: Just how bad are fireworks for the environment?

The Conversation, 31 December 2015

Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, has written an article about the dangers of fireworks for the environment.Firework smoke is rich in tiny metal particles. These metals make firework colours, in much the same way as Victorian scientists identified chemicals by burning them in a Bunsen flame; blue from copper, red from strontium or lithium, and bright green or white from barium compounds, he said.

Air quality report

BBC Radio London, 29 December 2015

King's Environmental Research Group produced a report for the Greater London Authority (GLA), which showed that up to 25 people per day were dying due to poor air quality in London. The report also highlighted that Oxford Street and Marylebone Road are the two most polluted streets in London. (Interview starts at 02:35).

The lethal effects of London fog

BBC News, 22 December 2015

The article focuses on the current air pollution crisis that London is facing. A recent study by the Environmental Research Group at King’s shows that over 9,000 people die each year as a result of air pollution in London. premature deaths a year.

Diesel is fast losing favour in the UK

Hindustan Times, 17 December 2015

The British Supreme Court recently ordered the UK Government to take steps to tackle air pollution, including phasing out diesel. Professor Martin Williams, ERG, explained that diesel was encouraged by the previous Labour government. ‘Diesel was seen as a good thing because it produces less CO2, so we gave people incentives to buy diesel cars,’ he said.

Second Saharan dust cloud to hit England and Wales this weekend

Guardian, 17 December 2015

Air pollution from the Saharan dust is expected to hit the UK and Wales this weekend. Parts of eastern, central and southern England have already being affected. Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘Across Europe, Saharan dust is mainly an air pollution problem for Mediterranean countries, especially those in the east Mediterranean where episodes have caused air pollution to reach 10 times the EU limits.’

Pollutionwatch: Climate, health and opportunity

The Guardian,13 December 2015

The latest in Dr Gary Fuller's pollution watch series for the Guardian newspaper

Air Pollution BBC World News, 12 December 2015

Despite tougher regulations, the amount of poisonous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the UK air remains high, and recent research found that during the rush hour in London, NO2 often peaks at dangerous levels. Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group (ERG), said: ‘Our measurements from the London air quality network clearly showed that NO2 was not changing. Dr Ben Barratt, also of the ERG, demonstrated an experiment that measured the diesel pollution in London and its effects on our bodies. Discussing the research, he said: It really changed something that was primarily seen as an environmental issue, to a health issue.

House windows you can't open shut out toxic air

Times, 06 December 2015

A new policy will allow developers to build houses, flats and schools on some sites only if they fit them with windows that cannot be opened and mechanical ventilation systems that filter toxins from incoming air. Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘Sitting schools and homes in highly polluted locations is not good policy, if it exceeds pollution limits then development should be stopped.

10 reasons Christmas is bad for you

Daily Mail, 06 December 2015

According to scientists at King's, the pollution found on Oxford Street is high enough to cause damage to the arteries. The toxic air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide, is emitted from diesel vehicles which can cause health problems.

One of the biggest cities in the world has banned half its cars because they are turning the streets into 'a gas chamber'

Independent, 04 December 2015

Delhi’s government wants to decrease the number of cars driving in the city by only allowing vehicles to drive on alternate days depending on their number plate in order to reduce air pollution. A separate report by the Policy Exchange and King’s showed that one in four children were breathing in toxic air in London.

Where is the world's most polluted city?

Guardian, 02 December 2015

Research shows that air pollution kills 3.3 million per year more than HIV, malaria and influenza combined. Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘When we compare air pollution in cities, we only look at those with measurements. This focuses our attention on big cities and the developed world. Initial attempts to measure air pollution from satellites have revealed more areas of the world with dense populations and high air pollution.’

Toxic air threat to London pupils

London Evening Standard, 01 December 2015

A report shows that one in four school children in London are exposed to polluted air. According to the report 328,000 pupils were breathing in above the permitted level of nitrogen oxide. The research by Policy Exchange and King’s was published to the world leaders at the Climate Change conference in Paris. This was also reported by BBC Radio London and The Economist

Why EVs can reduce (but not eliminate) urban air pollution

Scientific American, 30 November 2015

Increasing attention is being paid to the potential for electricity to power urban public transportation. Research from the Environmental Research Group is mentioned, which found that particulate matter in London is responsible for an estimated 3,537 premature deaths each year.

Pollutionwatch: Pain in Spain

The Guardian, 29 November 2015

The latest in Dr Gary Fuller's pollution watch series for the Guardian newspaper

The VW Emissions Scandal

BBC Panorama, 23 November 2015

The BBC investigates the Volkswagen scandal and the impact it has had on air pollution in the UK. Professor Frank Kelly and Dr Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group commented on air pollution in London: Professor Kelly said: ‘Our measurements from the London Air Quality Network clearly show that nitrogen oxide was not changing, so we went and looked at the data near the roads and found that it was diesel vehicles which were emitting a lot more pollutants.’ (starts 13.05 mins)

Fresh Air Square at London Bridge

23 November 2015

A new Fresh Air Square parklet has been created on Tooley Street near London Bridge. The project was led by Team London Bridge business improvement district in collaboration with TfL, CJS Plants and King’s. Andrew Grieve, Environmental Research Group (ERG) said: 'It has been a pleasure to work with Team London Bridge on this project. Bringing the issue of air quality into the public realm in this way is first and the response from the public has been fantastic.’

Fireworks are fun – but the effects are not

Guardian, 15 November 2015

Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, wrote a piece on the effect fireworks have on air pollution. ‘The sparkles from fireworks last a few seconds but the air pollution can linger in our cities for hours. Firework smoke is rich in tiny metal particles making it very different to normal urban air pollution,’ he said.

Russian doping allegations

BBC News, 9 November 2015 It has been alleged that Russian athletes were involved in doping systematically during the London 2012 Olympics. Professor David Cowan, Forensic Science & Drug Monitoring, discusses the Russian doping controversy and what this means for Russian athletes. Professor Cowan said: ‘This is very disappointing as we had a wonderful game in London; we did a good job trying to make sure that we didn’t have cheats taking part in the games.’

And in the red corner

Guardian, 8 November 2015 Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, comments on the subject of Heathrow’s third runway. Professor Kelly said: ‘Gatwick is a better option than Heathrow, and it’s not the only pressing issue when it comes to cleaning London’s air.’

London's invisible health threat

BBC Radio 5 Live, In Short, 7 November 2015 Dr Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, measured the levels of black carbon around different places in London. ‘High levels of pollution can cause a number of health problems and depending on the duration and amount of exposure, can cause serious health effects on the heart, lung and even the brain’ he said.

Should you only use the back rings of your cooker? The clever tricks experts say can save you from toxic air pollution

Daily Mail, 03 November 2015

Air pollution has been linked to increased risk of stroke; cognitive decline; high blood pressure; type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group (ERG), said: ‘If exposed to high levels of pollution over a number of decades, even healthy airways and blood vessels can become damaged, triggering asthma and heart disease.’ Further studies by King’s shows that people in cars and taxis are often exposed to the highest level of pollution, many times more than pedestrians or even cyclists. Dr Ben Barratt, ERG, commented: ‘When stuck in traffic, the exhaust from the car in front is very likely to be pumping straight into your car's inlet system.’

What to do about diesel pollution?

BBC 1 Sunday Politics, 01 November 2015

Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, demonstrated how air quality is measured, taking a portable device to measure pollution levels in the Rotherhithe tunnel. He warned that most modern cars are emitting high levels of nitrogen dioxide. ‘We know that all of the modern day diesels emit between 60 - 70 times more nitrogen dioxide pollution in the real world than they do in the test,’ he said. This was also reported by BBC News.

Volkswagen could face corporate manslaughter charges over rigged diesel emission tests

Daily Mail, 28 October 2015

Volkswagen bosses could held to account for the deaths of thousands of people due to air pollution in the wake of the rigged emission test scandal, Britain's transport minister has said. The article mentions an estimate made by the Environmental Research Group at King’s that nearly 6,000 premature deaths in the UK each year can be linked to diesel emissions. Dr Gary Fuller, of the ERG told the Guardian that the research was a good assessment of the health impacts but it should not be assumed that the numbers could be extrapolated for other parts of the world, such as the UK.

Europe’s Plan to test car emissions are criticised

New York Times, 27 October 2015

EU policy makers are pushing ahead with plans to subject cars to on the road exhaust testing in the wake of the Volkswagen scandal. The article cites the Environmental Research Group’s work which stated that exposure to nitrogen dioxide in London had contributed to 6,000 deaths a year.

Volkswagen accused of funding pro-diesel research that downplayed the health impact of emissions

Daily Mail, 26 October 2015

According to a recent investigation Volkswagen has been providing financial backing to a transport-sector research group that has been downplaying the harmful impact of diesel cars on the general public. Research by King's showed that nearly 9,500 people die early each year in London due to long-term exposure to air pollution, with emissions and particulates from diesel cars, lorries and buses largely responsible. This was also reported by Times

Pollution stunts children's lungs

Sunday Times, 25 October 2015

A study has found that the growth of children's lungs is being stunted by the high levels of air pollution in Britain's cities. Dr Ian Mudway, Environmental Research Group, said: The data shows that traffic pollution stops children's lungs growing properly.This was also reported by Independent and Telegraph.

Are Hydrogen cars the future?

Click BBC World News, October 24 2015,

In a report on the work conducted by the Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King’s, Andrew Grieve, ERG, discussed their research and demonstrated equipment used to monitor air pollution. The particles in the air that we’re really worried about are the ones you can’t see,’ he said. Dr Gary Fuller, ERG, also discussed air pollution in London for Agence France-Presse and Economic Times of India, about a report which found problems associated with air pollution cost the London economy up to £3.7 billion each year.

3,000 schools face threat of toxic diesel

Sunday Times, 11 October 2015

Up to 3,000 British schools are situated in areas with potentially dangerous levels of air pollution. Scientists at King’s found that many schools in London lie in areas where nitrogen dioxide breaches the 40mcg EU limit. Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘It is clear that children attending very many schools are breathing polluted air for all those years they are a pupil.’ This was also reported by London Evening Standard and BBC Newsnight.

The health implications of the diesel ‘scandal’

Following the recent reports on Volkswagen and air pollution, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group (ERG), argues that breathing air of poor quality can have both short and long-term effects. Professor Kelly said: ‘After many decades of exposure, air pollution can lead to the development of a disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.’ Dr Martin Williams, Dr Ian Mudway and Dr Gary Fuller, ERG, have also commented on Volkswagen, pollution and anti-pollution masks forGuardian, BBC, Channel 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, Guardian and BBC.

Pollution, Falls in the elderly, False positives and negatives, Meningitis B and teenagers

BBC Radio 4, 29 September 2015

Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, comments on the effects of air pollution on health, where long-term exposure to pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions and may also affect lung development in young children. Professor Kelly also comments in a BBC article about the health implications of the diesel scandal. Also reported by BBC News.

Nitrogen oxides in car exhaust kill tens of thousands in UK

New Scientist, 28 September 2015

A recent report published by the government showed that nitrogen oxides kill up to 23,500 UK citizens prematurely each year. Dr Martin Williams, Environmental Research Group, commented: ‘NO2 correlated with other damage from other emission gases, so its contribution couldn't be disentangled. Now, there's much stronger evidence for independent effects of NO2Also reported by Guardian.

Fashionable anti-pollution masks make their debut in the UK

Independent, 26 September 2015

An increasing number of people in London are now investing in surgical-style face masks worn for years by commuters in Asian cities such as Beijing. Commenting on the effectiveness of the masks, Dr Benjamin Barratt, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘To be effective, a mask must be very well fitting otherwise the gases and tiny particles that make up air pollution will just flow around the mask when you breathe in.’

VW scandal caused nearly 1m tonnes of extra pollution, analysis shows

Volkswagen's rigging of emissions tests means they may be responsible for nearly one million tonnes of air pollution each year. Dr Gary Fuller, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, said: Since 2003 scientists have been saying things are not right. It's not just the VW story; this is part of something much bigger. It has a serious public health impact. Many members of Environmental Research Group have been interviewed about this topic including Dr Heather Walton, Professor Frank Kelly and Professor Martin Williams. This was also reported by Telegraph, Financial Times, Guardian, Telegraph, Channel 4, Daily Mail, ITV and Newsnight.

17th century child mortality

Channel 4, 20 September 2015

Dr Ian Mudway, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, comments on an old register which suggestS that people believed that the teething process was the cause of death of several children. Dr Mudway said: ‘One of the interesting things about the register is the number of deaths due to rickets. We know that it has an effect on bone development, but now we have an understanding that it plays a role in helping us fight infections.’

London's low-emission zone fails to improve air quality

New Scientist, 26 August 2015

London's campaign to reduce the city's air pollution has not been as successful as hoped. The scheme was launched in 2008 and its aim was to improve the air quality. Earlier this year, London's mayor confirmed plans to launch an ultra-low emission zone to enforce stricter pollution standards on vehicles. Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical Environmental Health, said: If you really want to achieve an improvement in air quality, these vehicles should be banned.

Pollutionwatch: Beware the air we breathe

Guardian, 9 August 2015

Dr Gary Fuller and Dr Heather Walton, Environmental Research Group, have written an article for the Guardian about a study suggesting that in 2010 up to 9,000 Londoners died as a result of air pollution. London is one of the first cities in Europe to assess air pollution and the results highlight the danger Londoners are exposed to. This was also reported more than once by the Guardian

Do pollution masks really work? How cyclists are trying to filter out the filth

Evening Standard, 06 August 2015

More cyclists are using pollution masks in London due to the bad air quality in the city. According to research by King's over 9,000 deaths in 2010 could be attributed to air pollution. Professor Frank Kelly, Analytical Environmental Sciences said: "Masks come in a range of specifications from useless to pretty good for dealing with emission gases like nitrogen dioxide; better masks have activated charcoal filters. For particulate matter, some masks will filter out the larger particles but none will deal well with the ultra fine particles."

Legal aid cuts The Times, 30 July 2015; Leading academics at KCL have contributed to a letter to The Times about Legal Aid Cuts, published last night online and in the paper today. The letter was signed by the President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences, Mr Robert Brown, on behalf of leading academics, medical and legal professionals including:

Dr Denise Syndercombe Court, Reader in Forensic Genetics; Professor Michael Kopelman, Professor and Group Lead Clinician Neuropsychiatry; Dr Barbara Daniel, Programme Lead Forensic Science; Professor Robert Flanagan, Consultant Clinical Scientist and Director, Toxicology Unit; Ms Tracy Alexander, Hon Lecturer Forensic Science.

Schools shut under a cloud of diesel Sunday Times, 28 June 2015 Two schools in South Yorkshire became the first in Britain to be shut because of air pollution. In London alone, more than 1,100 schools lie within 150 yards of major roads. A few of these have air quality monitors, installed by the Environmental Research Group at King’s College London as part of its air quality network and these confirm there is cause for concern.

Major new study on how to tackle air pollution in the Capital 27 July 2015 The Environmental Research Group at King's College London, leading experts in air quality science, have joined forces with Policy Exchange, the UK's leading think tank. They will produce a major new study into policies that aim to improve air quality in London.

London air pollution

15 July 2015 A new report, published by the Mayor of London, is the world’s first to quantify the health effects of nitrogen dioxide, finding that up to 9,500 people die early each year in London due to long-term exposure to air pollution. This is more than twice as many as previously thought. Report author, Dr Heather Walton,Environmental Research Group, said: The evidence on the health effects of nitrogen dioxide has strengthened in recent years, including evidence linking long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide with mortality. It is now thought that there is an additional effect beyond that previously quantified for the effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5. This report quantifies the possible maximum size of this additional effect in London in 2010, expressed as loss of life years and equivalent deaths, acknowledging uncertainties such as the contribution from traffic pollutants other than NO2.’ This was reported by the Guardian, Times, Financial Times, i, Sun, Daily Mail, Independent, ITV News, Evening Standard, Bloomberg and Washington post.

How diesel fumes give city dwellers old people's skin: Particles from engines make skin come out in blotches

Daily Mail, 13 July 2015; Diesel fumes from cars in cities can seriously damage your skin, new research has found. Commenting on the study, Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘The possible impacts of pollutants (other than UV radiation and ozone) on skin have not been examined by enough investigators. I’m not aware of any appropriate studies that have been undertaken in a UK city.'

Analytical Methods for Semi-Targeted Screening of Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs in Complex Environmental Samples

In this interesting webinar, Dr Leon Barron, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science, uses a number of case studies to demonstrate the semi-targeted screening of contaminants in waste-and river-water, the prediction of chromatographic retention time, and how large datasets can be managed with post-acquisition data-mining.

Road traffic noise can reduce life expectancy Times of India, 25 June 2015 Research led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in partnership with Imperial College London and King's College London found that long-term exposure to road traffic noise may lead to an increased number of heart strokes and deaths.

Road traffic noise linked to deaths and strokes 24 June 2015 Living in an area with noisy road traffic may reduce life expectancy, according to new research published in the European Heart Journal. The findings suggest a link between long-term exposure to road traffic noise and deaths, as well as a greater risk of stroke, particularly in the elderly. The research was led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with Imperial College London and King’s College London.

Traffic free days on Regent Street cut pollution by 75% Evening Standard, 24 June 2015 A series of road closures next month will slash the levels of harmful gas breathed in by shoppers and workers by up to three quarters, reports suggest. A study by Dr Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, found that the day long absence of vehicles cuts pollution levels to those that can be found in the capital’s parks.

All choked up: did Britain's dirty air make me dangerously ill? The Guardian, 20 June 2015 Professor Frank Kelly and Drs Ian Mudway and Ben Barratt contribute to an article in the The Guardian by John Vidal.

Air Pollution in the UK: The public health problem that won't go away BMJ, 30 May 2015 The government has been accused of a failure to act while drivers of diesel cars, who were encouraged to believe they were doing the environment a favour, are now categorised as polluters in chief. Dr Ian Mudway, Analytical & Environmental Science, said that the science is becoming more robust: 'It has become more pressing to deal with these issues. Meeting the current limits for particulates, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, should be seen as the minimum expectation for public health.'

The great diesel car deception speeding us to a toxic death Sunday Times, 24 May 2015 Asthma can be triggered by many factors but it is no coincidence that whenever air pollution levels rise, Britain’s hospitals and GPs see a surge of patients with asthma. More than 20 years ago, scientists warned that the growing popularity of diesel vehicles could turn them into one of Europe’s greatest health threats. Professor Martin Williams, Environmental Research Group, said: 'The reason we have a problem with air pollution now is that UK policy has been focused on climate change, and reducing CO2 emissions, to the exclusion of much else, for most of the last two decades. Diesel was seen as a good thing because it produces less CO2, so we gave people incentives to buy diesel cars.'

Tonight: The Air We Breathe ITV “Tonight” 19 May 2015 Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, will be appearing on ITV Tonight in a programme that investigates why levels of pollution are so high and what’s being done to protect the nation’s health from the air we breathe. Professor Kelly helped to find out what the levels of pollution were for four volunteers around the UK. Three volunteers along with presenter Fiona Foster each carried a personal air quality measuring device with them for a 48 hour period.

Can avocados cut the health risk of smog? Fruit's high levels of vitamin E may help to protect lungs from tiny particles Daily Mail, 15 May 2015 A new study from King’s College London and Nottingham University has found that higher levels of vitamin E may help protect the lungs from particulates which are tiny particles of smog. Particulate matter is one of the main air pollutants thought to be damaging to human health. Co-author Professor Frank Kelly, Head of the Environmental Research Group, said: 'These new findings are consistent with previous reports which observed lower levels of vitamin E in people with lung conditions such as asthma.'

Link between vitamin E and air pollution 15 May 2015 A new study from King's and the University of Nottingham has found an association between the amount of vitamin E in the body, exposure to particulate pollution and lung function. The paper adds to growing evidence from previous studies suggesting that some vitamins may play a role in helping to protect the lungs from air pollution. Professor Frank Kelly, Head of the Environmental Research Group and co-author of the study, said: ‘These new findings are consistent with previous reports which observed lower levels of vitamin E in people with lung conditions such as asthma.’

Pollutionwatch: A deadline missed, with deadly consequences The Guardian, 10 May 2015 Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, has written a piece on how the government has missed the deadline of 2010 to meet European Limits for nitrogen dioxide. Commenting on how the happened, he wrote: 'Over the last 15 years a huge growth in the proportion of diesel vehicles on our roads has compounded the problem. Today, the locations with greatest nitrogen dioxide are close to major roads in urban centres, especially in locations that are dominated by diesel traffic, including the buses, taxis and delivery vehicles that make our cities work.'

Not breathing easy Economist, 8 May 2015 On April 29 the Supreme Court ordered the next government to come up with a plan by the end of the year to reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the UK. Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, is mentioned in the piece for having said that the health effects of NO2 have not yet been calculated for Britain, but are thought to be as potentially damaging as fine man-made particulate matter.

Limits on air pollution BBC Radio 5 Live, 29 April 2015 The Supreme Court has ruled that the government should speed up efforts to limit certain types of air pollution. Client Earth brought up the case after air quality records continued to break EU standards for Nitrogen Dioxide. Dr Gary Fuller, Environmental Research Group, said: 'We haven’t managed to clean up the exhausts that comes from diesel vehicles as well as we planned. You would hope that policy would be reactive.' Also reported by BBC London Drivetime.

Britain's chocking problem seeks a breather Deccan Herald, 24 April 2015 Discussing the recent air pollution to hit the UK, this article looks at the movement of pollution across the country and Europe. Dr Benjamin Barratt, Analytical & Environmental Sciences, said that the problem is worst in urban areas and is both chronic and serious: ‘We can’t solve the problem merely by reacting to every episode – we need to change our behaviour every day because it’s the long-term exposure that matters for your health.’

Experimenting at home with air quality monitors, International New York Times, 16 April 2015 Levels of pollution in cities vary in different areas and consequently residents’ exposure can differ considerably. Research conducted by Benjamin Barratt, Environmental Research Group, is mentioned in the piece, particularly his use of portable monitors to study how pollution affects people living in sky-scrapers in Hong Kong.

Pollutionwatch: Groundhog spring The Guardian, 12 April 2015 The latest in Dr. Gary Fuller's pollution watch series for Guardian website.

Air Pollution 10 April 2015 Last Friday, London was blanketed by high levels of air pollution, with runners practicing for the forthcoming London Marathon warned to stay inside. Andrew Grieve, Environmental Research Group, was quoted in the Sun saying: 'I wouldn't go for a jog when it's like this. You are breathing in litres of air every minute.' Dr David Green, Environmental Research Group, was interviewed on Sky News and BBC Radio 5 Live on the issue of air pollution. He said: ‘We’re dealing with particle pollution at the moment. Particles come from a number of sources, both natural and man-made. Predominantly during this episode we expect the pollution to come from vehicles, industry and agriculture in the UK and Europe.’ Also reported by BBC News .

Air pollution warning 10 April 2015 Discussing the areas that will be most affected by the high levels of air pollution on BBC Radio 4 PM, Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, said: 'This is what I call a blanket of air pollution, so it depends on where the pollution has been and where it is going. It looks at the moment like the forecast is going up through the centre of the UK, with perhaps a little bit catching the South East.' Andrew Grieve, Environmental Research Group, commented on the high levels of pollution in London. He told BBC London 94.9: 'This type of pollution can cause up to eight per cent of early deaths in some central London boroughs. People with existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions should certainly take this seriously and reduce strenuous exercise outside.' Also reported by BBC London News, Evening Standard London, BBC Radio 5 Live Afternoon Edition and BBC Radio 5 Live Daily.

High level of air pollution 19 March 2015 Britain is on alert as high levels of air pollution are expected in parts of the UK. Andrew Grieve, Environmental Research Group, was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast and said: 'Tuesday was the worst day so far this week. We had sites across the UK measuring up to level nine. In London we had a few sites in London measuring level 10, which is the highest for particulates.' Also reported by Guardian, Daily Mirror and BBC Radio Coventry.

Real-time pollution monitoring website lets Londoners choose least-polluted routes Xinhua News agency, 13 March 2015 A new site has been launched by the Environmental Research Group at King’s, which will allow commuters to plan their journeys to work to avoid air pollution blackspots. The site, www.breathelondon.org maps air pollution levels in all the areas of London in real-time. Dr Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, said: ‘Even a change from walking or cycling along a main road to taking a back street would reduce exposure. One of the benefits allows individuals to make their own choices about coping with air pollution.’ Also reported in China.org

Have diesel cars been unfairly demonised for air pollution? The Guardian, 11 March 2015 A new campaign by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) claims modern diesel engines are clean and have reduced emissions, but some experts have said that the car makers are greenwashing the figures. Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, said: 'In the absence of a real-world test we have to question these figures because history shows us that past performance has not delivered.' Also reported by BBC News and BBC London.

Pollutionwatch: Fumes from the farms The Guardian,8 March 2015 The latest in Dr. Gary Fuller's pollution watch series for Guardian website.

Keep an eye on your city's pollution in real time New Scientist, 19th February 2015 High definition cameras are letting residents monitor the air pollution in their cities online, and in real time. Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group, was quoted discussing the cameras saying: "The reason that the smog in Beijing is so notorius is people can see the pollution".

Pollutionwatch: A good riddance to lead- but what are we breathing now The Guardian, 8 February 2015 The latest in Dr. Gary Fuller's pollution watch series for Guardian website.

The great Car Con Channel 4 Dispatches, 26 January 2015 Professor Frank Kelly, Environmental Research Group, discussed the threat posed by particulate matter which he described as lethal. He said this is ‘now linked with the early deaths of 29,000 people across the UK. That's a rather substantial figure because the only other figure which beats it is the one associated with active smoking'.

Labour's drive towards diesel cars causing 'massive public health problem', admits shadow Environment Minister Independent, 25 January 2015 According to Barry Gardiner, shadow Environment Minister, the drive by the previous Labour government to encourage millions of Britons to opt for diesel cars in a bid to save the planet was a 'massive problem for public health'. Last year more than half of all new cars sold were diesel which emit a higher amount of deadly pollutants than cars that run on petrol – including nitrogen dioxide. Professor Frank Kelly, Director, Environmental Research Group, discussed how car drivers are exposed to higher levels of diesel pollutants than cyclists and pedestrians. He said: 'When people are in cars if they have got windows closed and the air conditioning on, they probably think that they are actually immune from the emissions from the vehicles in front of them and in reality that’s not the case because the gases penetrate so easily that they will get into the cabin of the vehicle and depending on the ventilation of that cabin they may actually build up to much higher concentrations'

The DNA photofit: Amazing breakthrough means police can tell suspect's colour, height and even age – from a tiny speck of blood Following a major DNA breakthrough, police are now able to build up a detailed picture of a suspect from the smallest drop of blood left at a crime scene. The new advances mean that detectives will now know the race, age and gender of the suspect, even if there were no eyewitnesses at the scene. Dr Denise Syndercombe-Court, Analytical & Environmental Sciences, was quoted in Daily Mail saying: 'The new technologies raise the possibility that we won't need an actual eyewitness to a crime in order to produce a picture of how the suspect looks.' Also reported by Times, Sun, Daily Star, BBC Radio 94.9, and Daily Mirror

Pollutionwatch: Please don't keep the home fires burning The Guardian, 11 January 2015 The latest in Dr. Gary Fuller's pollution watch series for Guardian website.

Environmental science: Pollution patrol Nature, 7 January 2015 Article looking at how there is a new wave of personal sensor which are giving people the ability to monitor the air they breathe. Dr Ben Barratt, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, was quoted on the complexity of monitoring air pollution. He said: 'Monitoring air-pollution levels is far more involved than the manufacturers and suppliers of cheap sensor suggest'.

Item date: 2015-01-01