17 June 2021

Millions of children attend schools with toxic air, campaigners warn

Millions of children attend schools with toxic air, campaigners warn image

Millions of children go to schools where air pollution is above World Health Organization (WHO) limits, new data reveals.

The data, collected by EarthSense and published by Global Action Plan, shows 27% of all UK schools are located in areas with high levels of the pollutant PM2.5. This equates to an estimate of over 3.4 million children in the UK.

The charity warned toxic air can harm children’s health, causing or triggering asthma, damaging lung development, and affecting their ability to learn.

Dr Maria Neira, director at WHO said: ‘These figures are unequivocally too high and harming children’s health. Schools should be safe places of learning, not places where students are at risk of health hazards.

’There is no safe level of air pollution, and if we care about our children and their future, air pollution limits should reflect WHO guidelines.’

Global Action Plan is calling on local authorities to communicate the health risks of air pollution and how to tackle it to schools, residents, businesses and health groups.

Larissa Lockwood, director of clean air at Global Action Plan, said: 'The fact that 27% of UK schools are above WHO air pollution limits is extremely alarming. Air pollution is not a fact of life. If we all do our bit, it can be solved with collaborative action and education.'

The data has been published to mark Clean Air Day.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner