Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution on the London Underground, also known as Tube dust or Tube pollution, has been a cause for concern in recent years. While taking public transport is generally better for the environment, the air underground is highly polluted with metal particles, organic matter, mineral dust, skin and clothing fibres, and other ultrafine particles that can be inhaled and enter the human bloodstream. This has raised questions about the potential health risks for the millions of passengers who use the Tube daily. While the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL), and independent companies are taking steps to improve air quality and reduce dust levels on the Tube network, the long-term effects of Tube pollution on human health remain uncertain.
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What You'll Learn
Diffusion tubes are used to monitor air pollution
Diffusion tubes are scientific devices used to monitor air pollution. They are small, hollow, and usually transparent, acrylic or polypropylene plastic tubes, roughly 70mm long, with a cap at each end. One cap is white and is either removed to activate the tube or contains a filter that only allows the gas being studied to enter. The other cap is a different colour and contains metal mesh discs coated with a chemical reagent that absorbs the gas as it enters the tube.
Diffusion tubes are passive devices, meaning they require no power source, and they are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, compact, and have a long shelf life. They can be placed almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and are commonly used by local authorities to monitor air quality in urban areas, as well as in citizen science pollution-monitoring projects and in indoor environments such as mines and museums. They are particularly useful for monitoring low concentrations of gaseous pollutants over a period of days to about a month.
The tubes are typically fastened vertically to something like a lamp post or road sign, with the open end facing down and the closed, coloured cap at the top. The gas being monitored diffuses into the bottom of the tube and is absorbed by the chemical cap. After a fixed period of time, the tube is sealed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The concentration of the gas can then be calculated using the amount captured and Fick's laws of diffusion.
Diffusion tubes have some limitations, such as not capturing shorter-term fluctuations in pollutant levels and being less accurate than highly sensitive, automated monitoring equipment. However, they are still a useful and inexpensive tool for monitoring air pollution, especially in situations where the cost of traditional monitoring instruments is a concern or when comparing average pollution levels in different places or at different times.
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Pollution on the London Underground
Underground railway systems are recognised for their high levels of personal pollution exposure. The London Underground, or Tube, is no exception, with studies showing that certain lines and stations have higher levels of air pollution than others. The Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Victoria lines, for instance, tend to have poorer air quality due to their depth, which results in insufficient airflow and allows particulates to accumulate. Stations such as Oxford Circus, Waterloo, and London Bridge have also been rated as having poor air quality.
The air pollution on the London Underground primarily consists of metal particles, organic matter, and mineral dusts, caused by track and wheel wear and braking. These particles can be harmful to human health, with studies suggesting that long-term exposure to fine particulates could be linked to increased rates of chronic bronchitis and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. The particles can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, potentially affecting other organs.
To address these issues, the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) are taking action to improve air quality on the Tube Network. They have increased their annual Tube dust cleaning budget and introduced innovative cleaning methods, resulting in reduced dust levels across the network. TfL is also exploring new innovations to reduce dust levels, including new braking systems and air filtration systems.
Additionally, apps have been developed to help commuters navigate the London Underground while minimising their exposure to air pollution. These apps suggest routes with lower pollution levels, allowing users to avoid the most polluted lines and stations.
While the London Underground does present challenges in terms of air quality, it is important to note that people are generally exposed to these conditions for relatively short periods during their daily journeys. Regulatory standards for exposure are met, and efforts are being made to continuously improve air quality and understand any potential health risks.
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Particulate matter on the Underground
Underground railways are used by millions of people every day. The air quality in these underground spaces is often poor due to limited ventilation and little air exchange with the outside environment. This results in a high concentration of airborne particulate matter, which can be influenced by the source materials and generation methods specific to the underground railway.
The particulate matter found in underground passageways and metro systems is primarily made up of metal particles, organic matter, and mineral dust. These particles are created by the grinding of wheels, tracks, and brakes against one another. Studies have found that the air in underground metro systems contains high levels of iron oxide, specifically maghemite, which is small enough to be inhaled and enter the bloodstream.
The health effects of exposure to particulate matter in underground railway systems have been studied, with in vitro studies suggesting that this type of particulate matter may be more toxic than ambient or urban particulate matter. It is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress, which could potentially lead to adverse health effects. However, there is a lack of direct evidence that underground railway particulate matter exposure is more harmful than ambient particulate matter exposure. More research is needed to fully understand the health implications for commuters and employees.
To improve air quality on underground networks, measures such as periodic removal of dust, improved ventilation, and magnetic monitoring of pollution levels have been suggested. Some cities, like London, have implemented initiatives to reduce dust levels and exposure, including increased cleaning budgets, innovative cleaning methods, and investment in new trains and infrastructure.
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Health risks of Tube dust
Tube dust is a mix of metal particles, organic matter, and mineral dust caused by track and wheel wear and braking. It is different from air pollution above ground, which includes harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide and diesel exhaust emissions. While Tube dust levels are generally well below regulatory limits, there are concerns about its potential health risks, especially for Tube staff.
The lungs are constantly exposed to dust, and while they have defence mechanisms to remove dust particles, excessive inhalation can lead to diseases. Tube dust particles are smaller than those in other environments, making them easier to inhale and potentially penetrate the lungs and other organs. Experts at the University of Southampton have called for more research on the health risks of these unique dust particles.
A study by Imperial College London found that Tube staff working in areas with higher levels of fine dust (PM2.5) reported more sickness absences. However, the researchers could not establish a direct link, and more research is needed. Dr David Green from the School of Public Health noted that exposure varied among staff, depending on their work location across the Tube network.
To address Tube dust, TfL has implemented targeted cleaning measures, increased ventilation, and is investing in new trains with reduced braking emissions and modern braking systems. These initiatives aim to reduce dust levels and potential health risks for both passengers and staff.
While the health risks of Tube dust are not yet fully understood, ongoing research and targeted measures are crucial to ensuring the safety of those who work and travel on the London Underground.
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Reducing dust levels on the Tube
The term "pollution tube" did not yield any relevant results. However, here is some information on reducing dust levels on the Tube.
Dust on the London Underground, commonly known as "Tube dust", is a mix of metal particles, organic matter, and mineral dust caused by track and wheel wear and braking. While air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and diesel exhaust emissions, which are harmful to humans, are common above ground, they are not produced inside the Tube network.
To ensure the safety of staff and customers, Transport for London (TfL) has implemented a multi-million-pound programme to reduce dust and improve air quality on the Underground network. This involves extensive cleaning, monitoring, exploring the latest innovations, and commissioning world-leading research.
Cleaning
TfL takes a targeted approach to cleaning, focusing on areas with higher dust levels. They have introduced innovative cleaning methods such as mobile backpack vacuum cleaners, which have helped reduce in-station dust levels by 21% and in the driver's cab by 14% since 2019.
Monitoring
TfL uses an independent company to conduct annual air quality monitoring across the Tube network with specialist, calibrated equipment. This monitoring has shown that dust levels remain below occupational limits set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and are also below the recommendations from the Institute of Occupational Medicine.
Innovations and Research
TfL is exploring potential innovations to reduce dust, including new air filtration systems aimed at capturing airborne dust. They are also investing in new trains with modern braking systems, such as the Piccadilly line trains being introduced from 2025, which will create less dust.
By combining these strategies, TfL aims to significantly reduce dust levels on the Tube, ensuring a safer and more pleasant environment for both staff and passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
A pollution tube, also known as a diffusion tube, is a device used to measure the concentration of gases in the air. They are small, hollow, usually transparent tubes made of acrylic or polypropylene plastic. They are used to monitor air quality and can be used to detect various gases, including nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
Pollution tubes work by allowing the gas being studied to diffuse into the bottom of the tube and get absorbed by a chemical reagent at the top. The tubes are typically left in place for a few weeks before being sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Pollution tubes are reasonably accurate, especially when compared to personal, portable devices. However, they are less accurate than highly sensitive, automated monitoring equipment. Sources of inaccuracy include air turbulence, ultraviolet light, and other pollutants.
