More than a million children under the age of 18 live in areas where air pollution exceeds safe levels, new research has revealed.

Analysis by Friends of the Earth of air pollution data from 2020 reveals that there are 2,546 neighbourhoods in England where the average air pollution levels are double World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for at least one of two of the deadliest air pollutants.

The analysis found that more than a million children live in areas where levels of either Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) or particulate matter (PM2.5), or both, are twice the recommended levels.

Of the 1,737 schools in these neighbourhoods, there are 924 – all in London – where levels of both these deadly air pollutants are double the WHO guidelines.

Air pollution causes up to 36,000 early deaths in the UK every year.

Road traffic, which produces NO2, is one of the leading sources of pollution. Road vehicles also produce tiny particles, known as particulate matter (PMs) both from exhaust fumes and wear and tear from brakes and tyres.

London’s air quality is particularly poor, the Friends of the Earth analysis found. Over 90% of the neighbourhoods in England suffering from very high air pollution are in the capital.

The data also found that people of colour are three times more likely to live in these high air pollution neighbourhoods and half of these neighbourhoods are among the most deprived in England.

Jenny Bates, Friends of the Earth’s air pollution campaigner, said: ‘It’s a scandal that more than a million children and young people in England live in areas where average air pollution levels are twice World Health Organisation guidelines for either or both of two of the deadliest pollutants.

‘Millions of people are suffering the effects of living in the most polluted neighbourhoods – with the most deprived communities and people of colour the hardest hit.

‘The new Prime Minister must get to grips with this public health emergency, which kills tens of thousands of people prematurely every year, and costs the economy billions of pounds annually, with a package of measures to clean up our air, including cutting car use.’