Exposure to particulate matter on the London Underground in healthy subjects and patients with chronic respiratory disease

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Exposure to ambient air pollution - notably tiny particles called particulate matter (PM) - increases ill health and in some instances early death. There is no direct evidence of impacts on health from exposure to tunnel dust while travelling on the London Underground. However, this conclusion rests on a somewhat limited evidence base. Given that both long- and short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants is understood to be detrimental to health, it seems reasonable to assume that the same would be true of exposure to tunnel dust, when PM concentrations are much higher than those above ground. However, given the different physio-chemical properties of subway particles, compared with those found in ambient air, means that it is not currently possible to state the nature and extent of any health risk.In this study we will utilise a tried and tested approach to address the possible health impacts of the air in the London Underground. Using the same protocols as in our 'Oxford Street' studies we will investigate the health impacts of using the London underground network in healthy volunteers and subjects with cardio-respiratory problems.The outcome of this work will either provide assurance that the London underground air is safe to breathe and indicate that no further action is required to clean up the tube network or, alternatively, if health effects are found then this will support action for further cleaning up the underground environment. In these circumstances an improved underground environment will therefore benefit the health of all underground commuters.