04 October 2016
Air pollution is a topic of continuing importance and a growing issue, as many countries struggle to bring their emission levels within acceptable limits. For each new development there is seemingly a new challenge for air quality scientists and policy makers – how can we all contribute to improving the quality of the air we breathe?
Air pollution is one of the major public health risks globally. Even in countries within Europe, where air quality has improved significantly, it is a day to day problem in many urban centres…
Dr Ben Barratt, Environmental Research Group
The Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King’s is one of the leading providers of air quality information and research in the UK. It combines air pollution science, toxicology and epidemiology to determine the impacts of air pollution on health and the causal factors.
The team focus on a variety of areas including lung biology, measurement, air quality monitoring, science policy, emissions and technology, with this collaborative approach allowing deeper insight that considers both the chemical make up of the air we breathe and the effects on the population as well as contributing to combatting ongoing air quality issues.
The group also works closely with those responsible for air quality management to support policies and actions to minimise air pollution health effects as well as creating technology to allow the general public to monitor their exposure.
The London Air Quality Network (LAQN) was formed in 1993 by the ERG in conjunction with the London Boroughs and Regional Health Authorities to coordinate and improve air pollution monitoring in London. Currently, the LAQN comprises over 100 continuous monitoring sites in the majority of London’s 33 boroughs and is an essential resource to air quality managers in the capital.
The LAQN also includes measurements from local authorities in the Home Counties, thereby providing an overall perspective of air pollution in the surrounding areas. The ERG provides technical support and comprehensive measurement quality assurance and quality control to local authority air quality monitoring activities.
London is the home of King’s and we are proud to be rooted at the very centre of its communities. For almost 200 years, we have given back to the city, championing its young talent and cleaning up the environment. We will continue to contribute wherever we can to the well-being of the city in which we create our home.
Visit our website to find out more about our Strategic Vision and to see a collection of videos showcasing some of the ways in which we are already making a difference.
Image: iStock
Since its installation 20 years ago, the Marylebone Road Atmospheric Observatory, which is run by King’s College London, has...