Researchers have identified asphalt roads as a significant source of air pollution in cities, particularly during hot summer months, identifying a 300% increase in emissions of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) under these conditions. SOA has a known negative impact on public health, therefore, should be considered when policies regarding urban policy are considered. Dr Gary Fuller, a lecturer within the MRC Centre, noted that road surfaces are an increasingly important source of air pollution, however, policies are not in place that consider them, as reported in The Guardian.