James Scales

Project: EVADE: Electric Vehicle And Diesel particulate Exposures

Contributing to 16% of deaths worldwide, air pollution presents one of the world’s most urgent environmental health issues and disproportionately impacts people with asthma. International policy targeted at reducing air pollution is to increase the use of electrified cars. Electric and hybrid vehicles are heavier than fossil-fuelled vehicles, which increases air pollution produced from the brake, road and tyre wear. EVADE is exploring the impact of the increased use of electric vehicles on people living with asthma.

About me

James is a Research Fellow funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research. He joined Queen Mary University in 2018, working on the Children’s Health in London and Luton (CHILL) study exploring the effectiveness and health impacts of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. Since then, James has been awarded over £800,000 of grant funding to support air pollution research and public engagement work.

His research interests focus on the relationship between physical activity, air pollution and health effects. In addition to his research, James has a particular interest in public engagement and has championed this through his involvement  in over 50 public events, including festivals and workshops. He has lead a citizen science programme, empowering primary schools to measure air quality and health.

Most recently he has received funding to evaluate the health impacts of non-tailpipe air pollution produced from electric and hybrid vehicles. Consumer trends, electrification and hybridisation means vehicles are getting heavier, which increases contribution of non-exhaust air pollution. This is changing the European air pollution composition.

James has published over 20 international academic papers and conference abstracts and has been featured on the BBC, ITV, Sky and Associated Press.