Kids are exposed to ‘shocking’ pollution levels on school walk according the King’s College data

BY JAMES TWOMEY
james@slpmedia.co.uk

A new study has revealed that primary aged children are five times more exposed to air pollution while they are travelling to school and should use backstreets to get there.

Students from primary schools in Greenwich took part in the study by carrying special backpacks with Dyson air quality sensors on their journey to and from school.

The data was analysed by scientists at King’s College and showed that pupils were exposed to on average five times higher concentrations of harmful NO2 pollution on the school run than when they were at school.

The results also showed that children who walked to school by backstreets were exposed to the lowest levels of pollution, and the highest concentrations were recorded by children walking along main roads.

Kate Barnes, head teacher at Haimo Primary School in Eltham, which took part in the study, said: “Since taking part in the Breathe London Wearable Study our children and families have been more conscious than ever about how we travel to school and it is still a talking point.

“The children have worked hard this half-term planting the new green space at the corner of our school that is most exposed to pollution from the very busy Westhorne Avenue.

“They are aware of the effect their work will have on their environment and are rightly proud of the positive impact they are having for themselves, the wider community and future generations.”

Each participating school has received an ‘air quality audit’ to help it reduce pupils’ exposure to pollution in and around schools and a grant of £10,000 to help deliver some measures immediately.

Jemima Hartshorn, from campaign group Mums for Lungs, said: “As a mum of two small children with many more years of nursery and school, I’m shocked to hear this.

“Children are the most vulnerable to air pollution and it can result in irreversible illness such as stunted lung growth, asthma, contributes to cancer, dementia, strokes and even mental health issues in teenagers.

“All policymakers should take necessary action to protect children, especially from road transport emissions.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Air pollution is a public health crisis and it is shocking that pupils are exposed to such high levels of harmful air.

“All the schools who took part in this study are using the results to educate pupils and their families on air quality and helping them find the least polluting routes for their journeys.

We have also provided air quality audits and funding at each school to help deliver urgent pollution reduction measures, from installing green ‘barrier’ walls around playgrounds, to working with boroughs on car restrictions around main entrances.

“I remain committed to doing everything in my power to ensure London children can breathe clean air.”
Dr Ben Barratt, from King’s College London, said: “The aim of our study was to use personal sensors to highlight children’s exposure to air pollution around their schools.

“We are delighted to see that, as a result of taking part in the study, so many children and parents found cleaner, healthier ways to travel to and from school.”