Air quality and schools

Risks of air pollution to children

Air pollution is the single biggest environmental health risk in the UK and young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. School children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because they're still developing and because they inhale more air than adults in proportion to their body weight, are less able to control their exposure than adults, and pollution can affect developing tissues creating lifelong health implications. Due to their size, they're often also closer to the source of the emissions.

One of the most common places for cars to be left idling is outside school gates, at drop off and pick up times. This means that school children are being exposed to unnecessary air pollution.

School communities can play a big role in raising awareness of the need for clean air and taking action to improve air quality in and around their schools.

Benefits of clean air

Clean air is great for children. It helps their lungs develop well, reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, and leads to more playtime, fewer missed school days, and better physical health. Clean air also boosts cognitive or 'brain' development, improving academic performance, attention span, and memory. Just being in clean air reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, improves mood, and creates a positive and healthier learning environment.

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 exposure to air pollutants. It also reduces the high levels of air pollutants from cars at school gates during pick up and drop off times. And it doesn't just have to be the school run - when heading out to get your shopping or popping into town, try to walk or take public transport if you can.

Talk to your school about what they are doing to combat air pollution

There are lots of great schemes in place that any school can take part in, like "walking buses” and Living Streets. Chat to your child's teachers or other staff members about air pollution and see what ideas they have to help reduce the number of car journeys being made to the school each day.

Talk to other parents and carers

Individual action is a great way to make a difference, but talking to other parents and carers about changes that you plan to make can encourage others to change their daily habits too.

Avoid wood burning stoves

Burning wood in stoves or open fires, releases large amounts of harmful particulate matter and chemicals that are carcinogens (cancer causing). Even 'Eco-design' or Defra-approved stoves release huge amounts of these particles. If possible, stick to cleaner home heating sources, like electric, gas boilers or air source heat pump.

Clean Air Day

Clean Air Day is a national day held every summer organised by the charity Global Action Plan.  Everyone is encouraged to take part to help shine the spotlight on the importance of having clean air to breathe and to take our own actions to reduce the amount of air pollution we all produce. Global Action Plan provides lots of free resources for schools, community groups, healthcare professionals and individuals to use, including posters and ideas of how to get involved.

Clean Air Night

Did you know that wood burning is the most polluting way to heat your home?

Wood burning produces fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), which enters your bloodstream when inhaled and can cause heart and lung disease, as well as increasing your risk of diabetes and dementia.

Visit www.cleanairhub.org.uk to find out more and join the conversation on #CleanAirNight

Resources for schools, parents and guardians

Here is a selection of online resources that can be used by teachers, parents or guardians.

Alternative Travel in Knowsley

If you want to help reduce the amount of air pollution on our streets, one simple step you can take is to switch to active travel wherever possible. Choose to walk, wheel or cycle your journey instead of driving or using public transport. Active travel options reduce your carbon footprint, help you save on fuel costs, and can have health benefits by keeping you active.

Getting around in Knowsley | Knowsley Council provides useful information and recommended websites to help you plan your journey and travel in and around Knowsley and the Liverpool City Region.

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