Leicester scientist features in BBC documentary examining effects of air pollution in UK cities
Professor Roland Leigh (pictured) from our Department of Physics and Astronomy will be appearing in an upcoming BBC Two documentary on Wednesday 10 January titled ‘Fighting for Air’, where he will provide his expertise on air pollution and its effect on public health in city environments.
The documentary will see popular scientist Dr Xand van Tulleken explore what can be done to mitigate the effects of air pollution, which has been declared a ‘public health emergency’.
Enlisting the help of enthusiasts and sceptics from the Kings Heath community in Birmingham, Xand stages the first ever large-scale experiment of its kind - using people power to try and bring about a quantifiable improvement in air quality for a single day.
Xand also becomes a case study in his own experiment, as he carefully tries to rid his body of the effects of pollution, he measures how his body functions are affected after exposing himself to a typical city street.
Professor Leigh said: “We need to reinvent our high streets and communities to encourage relaxing and enjoyable environments, and clean and healthy air is a key part of the package. This programme clearly demonstrates what positive outcomes can achieved in this area as a result of community action.”
‘Fighting for Air’ will be broadcast on Wednesday 10 January on BBC Two at 9:00PM.