Air quality

Air quality and schools

Risks of air pollution to children

Imagine breathing in tiny bits of smoke, dust, and chemicals – that's what air pollution is like! For kids, breathing this polluted air is extra risky. Their lungs are still growing, and these tiny bits can irritate them, making it hard to breathe and leading to coughs, wheezing, and even asthma.

As children breathe faster than adults, they take in more of these pollutants. Air pollution can also affect with how their brains develop, making it harder to learn and focus.

Around school gates there is usually higher levels of air pollution, with lots of cars and vans and people idling their engines.

 

Benefits of clean air

Children thrive in environments with clean air. Free from harmful pollutants, clean air allows their lungs to develop optimally, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergies. This translates to more playtime, fewer missed school days, and overall improved physical health. Clean air also benefits their cognitive development.

Studies have shown a link between lower air pollution levels and improved academic performance, attention span, and memory. This clean air advantage can give children a vital boost in their learning journey. Finally, clean air fosters a sense of well-being and mental clarity. Spending time outdoors in clean air reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, and improves mood. This contributes to a positive learning environment and fosters a happy and resilient childhood.

 

What can parents or carers do?

  • Consider walking, scooting or cycling to school instead of taking the car. Not only is it better for your children's mental health and physical fitness, but it reduces their personal exposure to air pollutants and stops the high levels of air pollutants from cars at school gates during pick up and drop off times. It doesn't just stop at school gates- when nipping out to get your shopping or heading into town, try to take public transport or travel actively if possible!
  • Talk to your school about what they are doing to combat air pollution. There are lots of great schemes in place that schools can take part in, like Modeshift STARS, "walking buses" and Living Streets. Chat to teachers or other staff members about what they are doing to combat air pollution, and improve local air quality.
  • Talk to other parents and carers. Individual action is a great way to make a difference, but talking to other parents and carers about easy switches and changes people can make to their daily habits. The more people that take individual action, the bigger the impact to the local community.
  • Avoid the wood burning stoves. Burning wood, in stoves or open fires, releases large amounts of particulate matter and chemicals that are carcinogens (cancer causing). Even "eco-design" or Defra-approved stoves release these particles. Stick to cleaner home heating sources, like electric or gas boilers.  

 

Resources for schools, parents and guardians

There are a variety of resources available for teachers and schools for reducing local air pollution. A list of ones recommended by Sandwell Council Air Quality staff are available below.

There are also online resources that can be used by teachers, parents or guardians.