A disturbing find by scientists from the Queen Mary University of London, King’s College London and the University of Edinburgh is that air pollution continues to restrict lung growth in children even in low-emission city neighborhoods.

Despite the number of laws and regulations designed to improve air quality with measures such as designating low-emission zones in crowded cities, scientists discovered that problems still persist and are evident in the lung growth of children.

For five years, scientists monitored eight- and nine-year-olds living in locations throughout London that are failing to meet current EU nitrogen dioxide regulations.

Scientists were particularly interested in studying the impact that the introduction of London's low emission zone had on children's health and pollutant exposure.

Unfortunately, scientists determined that while air quality improvements had been achieved in those low emission zones, children living there still had the smaller lung size and asthma symptoms characteristic of children living in areas with high levels of air pollution.

Consequently, experts are calling for greater measures in terms of improving air quality.

Professor Aziz Sheikh, one of the authors of the study, said: “Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Scotland. This study provides further evidence that air pollution is affecting our children’s lung health development — with likely lifelong consequences. Our findings suggest that Low Emission Zones and related attempts to improve air quality will need to be ramped up in order for health benefits to be seen.”