Peter Booth-White
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petermichaelwhite.bsky.social
Peter Booth-White
@petermichaelwhite.bsky.social
29 followers 72 following 1 posts
Sociology PhD candidate with interest in inequalities and access to HE
Manchester
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Reposted by Peter Booth-White
sfrost.bsky.social
Incredible findings on impact of LEZ & ULEZ

⬇️ significantly reduced PM10 & NO2 levels

⬇️ sick leave reduced by 18.5%

⬆️ improved general health

⬇️ reduced incidence of long-term health conditions and respiratory issues

⬆️ mental well-being & happiness

💷 est. savings exceeding £37 million per year
Air pollution poses a global concern due to its detrimental effects on climate, healthcare, and human capital accumulation. However, there is limited evidence on the health and human capital impacts of clean air transport policies. This study investigates the effects of London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on air quality, sick leave, well-being, and physical health. By exploiting the temporal and spatial variations of these policies – implemented in Greater London (LEZ) in 2008 and Central London (ULEZ) in 2019 – we implement a difference-in-differences approach utilising linked survey and administrative data. We show that the LEZ and ULEZ policies significantly reduced and levels. Consequently, we observe substantial improvements in labour productivity, with sick leave reduced by 18.5% from pre-LEZ levels. The ULEZ contributed to enhanced mental well-being, as evidenced by increased feelings of happiness, worthiness and satisfaction, along with a reduction in anxiety. These effects are further supported by improvements in physical health, with the LEZ reducing the incidence of long-term health conditions by 6.8% and respiratory issues by 10.2%. A back-of-the-envelope cost–benefit analysis suggests that the policies generated savings exceeding £37 million per year for the overall population.
April 25, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Reposted by Peter Booth-White
mumsforlungs.bsky.social
Have you reinvented your fireplace for the modern age?

Burning wood to keep warm is what our ancestors did, but in 2025 we no longer need to pollute ourselves and our neighbours in this way.

Thanks to Pamela for sharing her #FireplaceFlip - tag us in a pic if you've stopped burning too.
A pale blue fireplace with fairy lights in the hearth, surrounded by plants.
April 13, 2025 at 7:01 PM