87% of British schools in toxic air zones, 12million at risk

25,000 campuses are located in areas that exceed the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines, according to a new analysis. 

The assessment shows that 87% of schools are situated in ‘toxic air zones’, with 12million children at risk of developing long-term health conditions such as asthma and heat disease. Of these, 850,000 are being exposed to pollution levels which are double the recommended maximum limits. 

Once again, the analysis has also emphasised the striking inequities in terms of exposure and vulnerability. The poorest and most disadvantaged pupils, many from minority demographics, are far more likely to be impacted by toxic air. In a recent report, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health [RCPCH] also found air pollution is now the second biggest risk factor for childhood mortality before the age of five. 

Looking at the entire British population, 90% of citizens live in areas which breach World Health Organization guidelines, but only 33% of people are aware of their exposure. Similarly low understanding is evident in terms of the implications of sustained exposure to air pollution — 70% of adults say they are concerned about toxic gases in the atmosphere, but less than half know this leads to poor lung development and life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Parents are the most aware adult group, with two-in-three agreeing Downing Street should take action. 

The statistics come from an investigation commissioned by Health Equals, a coalition of 85 individual organisations. These include Mind, the British Red Cross, Legal and General, the Local Government Association, Citizens Advice, Global Action Plan, Crisis, The Wildlife Trusts and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. According to the group, people’s lives are being cut short by up to 16 years as a result of atmospheric pollution. 

‘Our health is shaped by the world around us – from the air we breathe, to the homes we live in, the money in our pockets and the work we do – these are the building blocks of health,’ said Paul McDonald, Chief Campaigns Officer at Health Equals. ‘Clean air isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a clear example of health inequality in the UK. While some children breathe safely, many grow up in areas where toxic air damages their lungs before they even reach school. Clean air is just one part of the problem, and that’s why we’re calling for a cross-government health inequalities strategy to Make Health Equal.’

‘No one should have to worry if the air in their home is making their children sick — but for families like mine, toxic air is a daily reality. My daughter needed an inhaler by her teens, and I developed a constant wheeze. When my daughter was diagnosed with asthma, we were shocked to learn that pollution on our walk to school might be making it worse,’ added Angela Fonso, an air quality campaigner and co-founder of Clean Air for Southall and Hayes (CASH). ‘It’s simply not fair that while some enjoy clean air without question, others—often in marginalised communities—are left to suffer. We want to give our kids the best possible start in life – and that means clean air, no matter where you live. Clean air must be a right, not a privilege.’

Image: Mario La Pergola / Unsplash 

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