London Air Website Redesign

The new London Air website was this week launched after a in-depth consulation excercise with users from all backgrounds.

The website now features sections for the public, policy investigators and research scientists who were identified are major user groups during the development process.

  • The homepage now features more links to help user find their way to the content they want.
  • The guide has been re-written to adopt a more accesible style and reflect real users questions and concerns.
  • A series of ten soundslides has been produced featuring interviews with experts and the public covering a wide variety air quality topics.

New Mobile Site

In conjunction with the new website ERG have also launched a new mobile version of London Air.

Based on the quick and intuitive navigation found in the iPhone and soon to be launched Android apps, the new mobile site allows users on any mobile phone with a broswer to quickly check local pollution levels as well as general pollution levels across London.

New Site in Castle Point

In July, Castle Point Borough Council installed a new monitoring site at the Old Fire Station on A13 in Hadleigh.

The new site is located to measure air pollution from road traffic, reflecting its importance as the main source of pollution in the Borough - notably from the A13, A127 and A130. Other potential pollution sources impacting on the area include the power stations along the Thames Estuary and the oil refinery in Thurrock.

Air pollution in the Borough will be under increased scrutiny in the coming months as Castle Point prepares to host the mountain bike events at Hadleigh Farm during 2012 Olympic Games.

Introducing Dr Thomas A.J. Kuhlbusch

ERG is very happy to welcome visiting scientist Dr Thomas A.J. Kuhlbusch head of air quality & sustainable nanotechnology from Duisburg, Germany.

Dr. Kuhlbusch's research focuses around the distribution of nano particles in the environment and their many implicaiton for human health.

Thomas will provide us with valuable help in a number of projects we are pursuing. For example, we are seeking an improved understanding of the UK’s EC/OC measurements and what they tell us about PM sources and trends. As the UK does not have an extensive EC/OC network, at least compared to some other European countries, Thomas as chair of a CEN standardisation committee will be able to provide us with invaluable help.

Soundslide: Summer Smog

This month's featured soundslide is Summer Smog.

It features interviews with Dr Kirsty Smallbone from University of Brighton, Professor Paul Wilkinson from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Dr Ian Mudway from ERG.