Tube bosses have been ordered to carry out a major review of pollution levels on the network as part of Sadiq Khan’s drive to ensure Londoners breathe the cleanest air possible.
As part of the review, independent experts from the Department of Health will update a 2004 study of dust on the Tube to ensure London Underground’s understanding of any health risks posed is in line with the latest medical evidence.
Mayor Khan has also asked managers to introduce an “enhanced” air quality monitoring programme and ensure data collected is publicly available online.
In addition, testing will be carried out at more than a dozen stations to assess how dust levels change at different times and locations and over 50 stations and tunnels will be deep cleaned to remove metal particles, dust, oil and grease.
Sadiq Khan said: “TfL’s new Underground air quality programme will help ensure dust and particles are kept to an absolute minimum.
“But I want to leave no stone unturned and I’ve also asked for an updated scientific analysis of pollution on the Tube so we can fully assess the air quality levels and take appropriate measures to ensure that the air is clean.”
Mark Wild, Managing Director of London Underground, added: “We have been monitoring dust levels on the Tube for many years and, through a wide range of measures, have ensured that particle levels are well within Health & Safety Executive guidelines.
“But as scientific understanding of the effects of particles develops, we are ensuring that we’re both using the very latest research and that we’re doing everything possible to keep the air underground clean for our customers and staff.”
