News / Air pollution
Dramatic drop in toxic fumes outside schools during lockdown
A dramatic decrease in the levels of toxic air pollution by schools during lockdown demonstrates a permanent reduction is achievable, say researchers behind a new study.
The report published by UWE Bristol revealed levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in the vicinity of schools fell by 41 per cent from March to July this year, highlighting the impact of the reduction in commuter traffic on the roads.
Louis Brown, who is part of the university’s Air Quality Management Resource Centre, gathered data from 93 monitoring stations that were within 500 metres of primary and secondary schools across England.
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Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution inhalation due to their developing organs and height, putting them in closer proximity to exhausts. Yet it is during school drop off times that NO2 levels are usually highest because of the increased traffic.
“This means you are taking the most vulnerable elements of society and exposing them to the worst of the day’s pollution,” says Louis.
Louis continues: “The height of a child also has a bearing on how much pollution they inhale because smaller children are closer to exhaust pipes and will be more exposed.”
The study, he says, shows what is achievable in terms of reducing children’s exposure to toxic air pollution if more people, outside of a pandemic lockdown, were able to work from home and, if possible, use their cars less for the school run.
Analysis of the data taken from the monitoring stations on main roads showed a 41 per cent decrease of the pollutant compared to pre-lockdown levels. The results from stations situated away from main roads but still affected by traffic fumes blown in the wind showed NO2 levels were down by more than a third.
A dramatic decrease in the levels of toxic air pollution by schools during lockdown demonstrates a permanent reduction is achievable – photo by Ellie Pipe
Research shows a significant amount of NO2 in urban areas is produced from traffic fumes. The gas has been linked to aggravation of existing respiratory conditions, nose and throat irritation, as well as a possible increase in hospitalisation cases.
Exposure over the longer term has also been linked to a series of more serious health issues like bronchitis and greater susceptibility to other respiratory system infections.
While concerns about NO2 from traffic pollution will lessen as electric cars become more affordable, Louis argues this is not a worry-free solution.
“Electric cars will still produce dangerous particulate matter, caused from the wear and tear of tyres and brake pads,” he explains.
“Some experts are developing methods of capturing those particles, but until these are commercialised, these particles will continue to cause damage to our health.”
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
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