Westminster City Council has begun a trial aimed at tackling one of the capital’s lesser-known sources of air pollution: cooking fumes from restaurants. While cars and heavy vehicles are often blamed for poor air quality, studies show that commercial kitchens are among the biggest contributors to fine particulate matter in central London.
New monitoring devices and filtration systems
The council has partnered with a small group of restaurants to install new monitoring devices and filtration systems. These will measure the levels of tiny airborne particles, known as PM2.5, produced during cooking and assess how far the technology can help reduce them. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, such as respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cognitive decline. The pilot is part of the borough’s clean air strategy, which seeks to protect health and reduce pollution in line with London targets.
Better filtration improves the environment
Chefs and restaurant owners involved in the programme have welcomed the opportunity to understand more about the impact of their kitchens. Some have pointed out that better filtration not only improves the environment but also benefits members of staff who spend long hours in hot, smoky conditions.
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This is an exploratory step
Council officials emphasise that this is an exploratory step rather than an attempt to regulate restaurant menus or cooking styles. If the results prove effective, the scheme could be expanded across many more restaurants in Westminster.
