Quarter of UK pupils attend schools where air pollution is over WHO limit | The Guardian
Estimated 3.4m children learn in unhealthy environment, says charity behind research
Damian Carrington
Millions of British children attend schools where air pollution is worse than the World Health Organization limit, campaigners have said.
An analysis found that more than a quarter of schools, from nurseries to sixth-form colleges, were in locations with high levels of small particle pollution. This means an estimated 3.4 million children are learning in an unhealthy environment, said Global Action Plan (Gap), the charity behind the research that was released on Clean Air Day on Thursday.
Tiny pollution particles, called PM2.5, are particularly dangerous as they not only harm the lungs but can pass into the bloodstream and affect many other parts of the body. Developing bodies are especially vulnerable, and dirty air has already been linked to increased asthma, obesity and mental disorders in children.
