A MAP has revealed which schools are most exposed to dangerous levels of outdoor pollution.
New analysis by Asthma and Lung reveals unsafe levels of dirty air from traffic are seeping into the classrooms of 3.1million children across England.
The schools most at risk of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
It found two in five schools in the most polluted parts of England – Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and Liverpool – are within 500m of a busy and heavily polluted main road.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates nearly seven million people die prematurely every year from a range of conditions triggered by poor air – and children are especially at risk.
Tim Dexter, clean air lead, at Asthma and Lung UK, told the Sun: “We know that children are particularly at risk because their lungs are still developing, and exposure to air pollution can even lead to stunted lung growth.
“They also breathe faster, which means they take in more polluted air.
“Being exposed to pollution as a child increases the risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an adult.”
The charity looked at the amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) each school was exposed to.
NO2 is a brown toxic gas in the air that comes from diesel traffic.
High levels of NO2 irritate the lining of the airways and make them more inflamed.
Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to NO2 could likely cause asthma in children.
Ella Kissi-Debrah was the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death.
In 2013, the nine-year-old died from a form of asthma, brought on and exacerbated by exposure to air pollution.
Studies have also linked the pollutant to a range of cancers, including bowel, breast and prostate.
Is your child affected?
Kearsley Academy, in Bolton, is the school most exposed to the pollution, the experts found.
It sees 39µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air) of NO2 each day – almost four times the recommended safe limit of 10µg/m3 imposed by WHO.
Next came Slade Primary School in Birmingham, and the Robin Hood Primary School in Wakefield, both of which are exposed to 38µg/m3 each day.
Birmingham-based St Matthew’s C E Primary School, Park Hall Academy, and Grove Vale Primary School are endangered by 37µg/m3 of NO2 daily.
Children attending Birmingham’s Aston Manor Academy, Ward End Primary School, Chivenor Primary School and City Academy, are made vulnerable to 37µg/m3 of pollution.
Next comes Birimingham’s Nelson Primary School, Medlock Primary School, Oaklands School PRU and Manchester’s Coop Academy in New Islington, all of which are subject to 35µg/m3.
Pennyhill Primary School in West Bromwich as well as Birmingham’s Hamstead Junior School and Cromwell Junior and Infants School are exposed to 34µg/m3.
St Philip’s Primary School in Altrincham, Elmridge Primary School in Stockport, Cheadle Heath Primary School in West Bromwich, and Sandwell Academy in Walsall are all vulnerable to 33µg/m3 of pollution.
High Point Academy in Walsall, Sandwell Valley School in West Bromwich, Manor Park Primary Academy in Birmingham and George Betts Primary Academy, in Smethwick, are also exposed to 33µg/m3 of pollution daily.
Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Every child deserves the best start in life, but for children living in some of the most polluted parts of England, just going to school can expose them to toxic air.”
The charity is now calling on the government to protect pupils from the health impacts of pollution by introducing a targeted support package to help people make cleaner transport choices.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
THERE are steps you can take to protect yourself from pollution inside and outside.
Emma Rubach, head of health advice at charity Asthma + Lung UK, says: “The problem with dangerous air pollution is that we can’t see it.”
OUTDOORS
Keep track of pollution levels on Defra’s website (uk-air.defra.gov.uk/forecasting) and close your windows if the level is high.
Take all your medicines as prescribed.
When exercising, take routes and choose areas that are free from or lighter on traffic.
Walk on the farthest side of the pavement so you are as far away from traffic as possible – make sure your children do the same.
If walking or cycling to work, leave slightly earlier to later to avoid the rush hour.
Keep car windows closed while driving
INDOORS
Don’t smoke indoors.
Keep your home warm and well ventilated.
Use allergy-friendly or chemical-free products.
If you are renting, your GP can write a letter to your landlord if they believe the home you are living in is a danger to health