London Underground Study

Levels of particulate matter are much higher on sections of the London Underground network than above ground. We are investigating whether acute exposures to this environment cause any adverse impacts on health, and whether patients with chronic lung disease may be disproportionately affected.

We are looking for participants with a diagnosis of COPD, not currently smoking, with no history of heart disease and aged between 40 and 90 to be part of our study.

If you are interested in taking part please visit our form to enter your details and a member of our research team will get in touch with more details.

What does the study involve?

If you take part in the study you will be asked to undergo two standardised 90 minute exposure journeys at least 3 weeks apart:

• One journey on the London Underground (Willesden Junction to Elephant and Castle and back, on the Bakerloo Line)
• One journey on the London Overground (Willesden Junction to Watford Junction and back, on London Overground)

You will be accompanied by the study physician and another team member for all journeys.
To investigate the health effects of the exposure, you will be asked to complete a symptom questionnaire and some breathing tests during the train journey, and we will take measurements of heart rate and blood vessel response, blood tests, nasal fluid sampling and urine sampling at the research facility.

On a day with an exposure journey you will be with the study team from 8am – 5pm. You will then need to attend for a couple of hours the next day. Each participant will need to go on both exposure journeys. All study days will start and end at Imperial College Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital and taxi transport to/ from your home will be provided.

Participants that complete all the study visits will receive £120 for giving their time to the study.