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.
News
Companies wanted to trial new air pollution monitoring and reduction technology
By
on 12 January 2026
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]
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