Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution: we need data on transport emissions near schools

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh’s air pollution working group read Kingdon’s article with interest.1 Our children are our future, yet we do not know if they are protected against transport emissions when at school.Children are among the most susceptible to air pollution as their cells divide rapidly.12 Brain,34 lung,56 heart,7 hormone systems, and immunity can all be harmed by air pollution, and hospital admissions for children increase on days of high pollution.8 Children spend a higher proportion of time outdoors and are at greater risk of exposure to ambient air pollutants. There is a correlation between areas of high deprivation and poor air quality in children,9 exacerbating pre-existing health inequalities.Schools are often sited near busy roads and traffic junctions. Air quality is worsened by the school run and idling engines.10 It is essential our schoolchildren are protected from air pollution in playgrounds and on roads surrounding the school,…
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