Simple measures can go a long way in fighting school air pollution, experts say

Pollution levels in most primary schools in the UK exceed safe levels set by the World Health Organization, but simple measures can cut exposure to toxins outdoors and indoors by nearly half, according to a new study from the University of Surrey

Researchers from Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), working with a number of London schools, investigated whether installing green screens around school fences, installing air purifiers in classrooms and organising school street activities during commute to and from school could improve classrooms and playground air quality

The researchers found that air purifiers in classrooms reduced indoor pollution concentrations by 57 percent, and the School Streets initiative, which bans motor vehicles from passing through schools at the start and end of school, reduced particle concentrations by 36 percent

Prashant Kumar, founding director of the Centre for Global Clean Air Research (GCARE) at the University of Surrey, said:

“Everyone, especially our children, should live and work in places with the cleanest and safest air possible

"Our study offers hope to many concerned about this issue, as the results show that taking reasonable action can have a positive impact

10 million students around the world spend 30% of their daily lives in schools, 70% of which are spent indoors

The study's funder, Kate Langford, director of the Air Pollution Health Impacts Program at Impacting Urban Health, said:

"Every child has the right to learn in an environment that keeps them safe and healthy

"Our work with Arup, the Global Action Plan and the University of Surrey® shows that we have some practical ways to protect children in and out of school and help guide schools Implement these solutions

"These measures now need to be combined with the efforts of local governments at the regional and national levels to improve air quality and create healthier environments for children to live, learn and play

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at the Global Action Plan, said:

“Schools should be safe places to learn, not places where students are at risk to their health

Prof.

“My simple request to UK policymakers is: Simple actions speak louder than words

The study was co-designed by the Global Action Plan and Arup and supported by Urban Health Impact

The research was published in the journal Atmospheric Environment