Harmful levels of air pollution poisoning children in playgrounds

Thousands of children are playing in school playgrounds near roads with harmful levels of illegal air pollution, new research has found.

Environmental law charity, ClientEarth, which is behind the ‘poisoned playgrounds’ campaign that aims to protect children from polluted air, found the data as part of a campaign which claims over 950 schools are situated near roads which suffer from harmful pollution levels.

The findings are based on an analysis of the latest government data.

Billboard adverts are going up in some of the most polluted towns and cities with details of the number of schools in the area near polluted roads, including Birmingham, Cardiff, London and Manchester.

Supporters of the campaign are being urged to put pressure on the government via their MPs to take action to curb air pollution which causes problems such as heart and ling diseases and asthma, and affects a child’s development.

Alan Andrews, air quality lawyer, ClientEarth, said: “Thousands of children in this country are playing in playgrounds near illegally polluted roads.

"This is a legal and moral failing of our political leaders that puts children's health at risk at a time when they are still growing and therefore vulnerable.

"Naturally, parents want something to be done. So do we.”

A government spokeswoman said: “We have put in place a £3 billion plan to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

"As part of that investment, we are supporting local authorities to develop plans to address pollution hot spots in their areas, including near schools.

"Next year we will publish a comprehensive Clean Air Strategy tackling all forms of air pollution."