News

Companies wanted to trial new air pollution monitoring and reduction technology

By on

Researchers at Imperial College are calling on London-based companies to pilot new software designed to measure, monitor, and manage workers' exposure to air pollution.


AirBase is a system comprising an app and a dashboard. The app collects personalised, real-time air pollution exposure data for employees as they move around London.

The dashboard then aggregates data to deliver a comprehensive environmental exposure profile for a group of workers or workforce. 

Its creators, including Andrew Grieve, air quality technologist at Imperial College London, says that it provides unrivalled "action ready insight" into air pollution and its impacts.

Companies in fields including logistics, road maintenance or local councils are being sought to trial new air pollution monitoring and reduction technology. Photograph: iStock

Speaking to Air Quality News, Grieve, said: "For outdoor workers – from construction crews to logistics drivers – air pollution isn’t just a background issue; it’s a direct occupational hazard that changes by the hour and street."

“This tool gives employers real-time data to make informed decisions. They could reschedule high-intensity work for times of lower pollution or redeploy teams to cleaner routes, actively protecting their workers’ health.”

At least one major London construction firm is already taking part in a trial, collecting data from its workers.

The team is now seeking at least one more company – ideally in fields such as logistics, road maintenance or local authority services – to begin a two-month trial starting from the end of January 2026. 

“We need to see what employers make of it in practice,” continued Andrew. “Their feedback will be crucial for refining the tool and exploring its future, which could include integrating on-site pollution data and expanding UK-wide.”

Participating companies are promised the kit will be able to benchmark their workforce’s current exposure levels against recommended UK and WHO levels, set exposure reduction targets and demonstrate a ‘tangible commitment’ to employee wellbeing and ESG goals.

Any London-based employer with outdoor staff who would  like to participate in this groundbreaking trial should contact Andrew at: [email protected]

NEWS


Asbestos

HSE highlights common asbestos failings as inspections ramp up

By Belinda Liversedge on 02 April 2026

HSE marks Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April), highlighting free guidance and training resources available to help dutyholders and trades comply with the law.



Mental Health Support at Work iStock Kobus Louw

1 in 3 bosses cite mental ill-health as main driver of staff sickness

By Belinda Liversedge on 30 March 2026

Almost a third (32 per cent) of bosses report stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems as a reason staff give for sickness absence.



London Buses Istock Med

Mayor pledges 12-month safety overhaul after “appalling” bus driver report

By Belinda Liversedge on 27 March 2026

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says he is “appalled” by an ITV investigation revealing that nearly one in five bus drivers has fallen asleep at the wheel.