London has a long history of air pollution, dating back to the 19th century. The city’s industrial revolution brought about a significant increase in the use of coal for heating and power generation, which led to the creation of smog.
The Great Smog of London
The most notable episode of London’s smog occurred in December 1952 when a thick layer of fog mixed with smoke from coal fires and industrial emissions covered the city. This event, known as the Great Smog, lasted for five days and caused an estimated 12,000 deaths.
Efforts to Combat Air Pollution
Following the Great Smog, the UK government introduced several measures to reduce air pollution in London. These included the Clean Air Act of 1956, which aimed to control smoke emissions from domestic and industrial sources.
In recent years, there have been further efforts to improve air quality in London. The introduction of low-emission zones for vehicles and new building regulations requiring sustainable design are among some of the measures taken.
Current State of Air Pollution in London
Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a significant problem in London. According to a report by King’s College London, more than two million people live in areas with illegal levels of air pollution.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the main pollutants in London’s air. It is mostly emitted by diesel vehicles and can cause respiratory problems. PM2.5 is another pollutant that is harmful to human health and can cause heart and lung diseases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there have been significant efforts to combat air pollution in London since the Great Smog, it remains a pressing issue today. With more than two million people living in areas with illegal levels of air pollution, it is clear that more needs to be done to improve air quality in the city. By continuing to introduce measures such as low-emission zones and sustainable building design, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier London for all.