Pollution's Impact On Schools: A Hazardous Education

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects schools and their students in numerous ways. Research has shown that air pollution can have detrimental effects on children's health, well-being, and academic performance. Schools, particularly those in urban areas or located near highways and industrial sites, are often exposed to high levels of air pollution, which can have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. The consequences of poor air quality in and around schools include increased health risks, such as respiratory issues and childhood asthma, as well as cognitive and neurodevelopmental impacts, including lower test scores and higher absence rates. Addressing air pollution in the vicinity of schools is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of students and to mitigate the negative consequences on their education.

Pollution increases absence rates and lowers test scores

Air pollution is detrimental to the health and academic performance of students. Research has shown that exposure to air pollution in early life can have long-lasting effects on lung function, with children's lung development being suppressed by long-term exposure. This is particularly concerning given that children have little to no say in where they live or go to school, and their families may not have the means to move to less polluted areas.

Two studies conducted in Florida provide strong evidence of the impact of pollution on schoolchildren. The first study compared a school downwind of a major highway (more exposure) to one upwind (less exposure). Students at the downwind school performed worse on state tests, had more behavioural incidents, and were absent more frequently. The second study examined schools within a mile of toxic chemical release sites and found that students at these schools were more likely to miss school and performed worse on tests compared to students at schools farther away.

Furthermore, air pollution has been linked to neurodevelopmental harms in children, with traffic-related air pollutants being associated with decelerated cognitive development. This can have significant implications for a child's academic performance and overall well-being.

The issue of air pollution around schools is not limited to a specific location. For example, in London, some primary schools are located near busy roads, exposing children to high levels of traffic emissions. To address this, measures such as closing roads, moving playgrounds and school entrances, improving ventilation systems, and promoting active travel have been implemented with funding from the Mayor and local councils.

It is crucial to recognize that pollution disproportionately affects children of color and those from low-income backgrounds. This is due to the fact that schools serving these communities are more likely to be situated near highways or industrial areas. Addressing environmental injustices and ensuring equal access to clean air for all students is an important societal goal.

Children of colour are more vulnerable to the negative effects of pollution

In the United States, African Americans and low-income communities of colour are disproportionately affected by air pollution. For example, more than a million African Americans live within half a mile of natural gas facilities, and over six million live in counties with oil refineries. This proximity to pollution sources increases their exposure to harmful pollutants. Additionally, more than 13% of African American children suffer from asthma, compared to 7.3% of White children, indicating a higher vulnerability to air pollution-related health issues.

The impacts of pollution on schools and students are significant. A study in Michigan found that 82% of African American students and 62% of Latinx students were affected by high levels of air pollution from industrial sources, compared to 44% of White students. Two more recent studies in Florida also showed that students exposed to higher levels of pollution performed worse on tests, had more behavioural issues, and were absent more often. This disparity in the impact of pollution on children of colour is concerning and highlights the need to address environmental injustices.

The higher vulnerability of children of colour to pollution's negative effects can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, due to historical discriminatory practices in housing and the legacy of slavery, communities of colour are often located closer to pollution sources, such as industrial facilities and major roads. Secondly, socioeconomic inequalities play a role, as low-income communities may have limited access to healthcare and healthier living environments, increasing their exposure to pollutants. Finally, existing health conditions, such as higher rates of asthma in African American children, can exacerbate the negative impacts of pollution on these communities.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Implementing measures such as no-idling zones outside schools, improving ventilation systems, and promoting active travel like walking and cycling can help reduce children's exposure to pollutants. Additionally, broader policy changes that address environmental injustices and ensure equal access to a clean and healthy environment for all are crucial.

Pollution can cause respiratory infections and adverse reactions to chemicals

Poor air quality in schools can have a detrimental impact on the health of students, and one of the most pressing concerns is the increased risk of respiratory infections and adverse reactions to chemicals.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has linked indoor air quality problems in schools to respiratory infections and adverse reactions to chemicals. These issues arise from a range of sources, including outdoor pollutants, vehicle exhaust, moisture and water damage, biological allergens, poor ventilation, and cleaning product chemicals. The concentration of air pollutants near schools, particularly from idling school buses and cars, significantly impacts the air quality inside educational institutions.

The consequences of poor indoor air quality extend beyond health risks, as the EPA has also found that it impairs students' ability to learn. Research has linked indoor air quality to students' performance, highlighting that improvements in school environmental quality can enhance academic achievement. This is supported by studies that found a connection between exposure to outdoor pollutants and decreased test scores and increased absence rates among students.

To mitigate these risks, schools can take several measures. Increasing outdoor air ventilation rates and eliminating sources of pollutants are recommended by the EPA to improve indoor air quality. Additionally, the implementation of air purification systems can effectively reduce airborne particles, thereby improving the overall health and comfort of students and staff.

Addressing air pollution in schools is crucial to protect the health and well-being of students and ensure they can learn in a safe and healthy environment. By taking proactive measures to improve indoor air quality, schools can minimize the risk of respiratory infections and adverse reactions to chemicals, ultimately supporting the overall development and success of their students.

Pollution is linked to a higher death rate from COVID-19

Air pollution is linked to a higher death rate from COVID-19, according to a study by Harvard University. The study, which analysed air pollution and COVID-19 deaths in 3,000 US counties, found that even a tiny increase in particle pollution levels is associated with a significant increase in the COVID-19 death rate. Specifically, the study found that an increase of only 1 μg/m3 in PM2.5 is associated with a 15% increase in the COVID-19 death rate. This means that people in polluted areas are far more likely to die from COVID-19 than those in cleaner areas.

The study's findings highlight the need to enforce existing air pollution regulations and take measures to improve air quality, especially in areas with high levels of air pollution. For example, the report recommends implementing no-idling zones outside schools, making it easier for children to walk or cycle to school, and increasing public awareness of air pollution's impact on children's health.

Furthermore, the study's results suggest that areas with high levels of air pollution should take extra precautions to slow the spread of the virus and deploy additional resources to manage the outbreak. This includes improving ventilation systems, installing green infrastructure such as hedges and green walls, and educating communities about the dangers of air pollution.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the urgent need to address air pollution issues and protect vulnerable populations, such as children, from its harmful effects. By taking proactive measures to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, we can not only reduce the death toll from COVID-19 but also create a healthier and safer environment for our children to grow and thrive.

Pollution is associated with decelerated cognitive development

Air pollution is associated with decelerated cognitive development in children. Research has shown that exposure to air pollution in early life can have long-lasting effects on lung function and cognitive development. Children attending schools near high-density traffic roads are exposed to higher levels of vehicle exhaust gases, which can lead to an increased risk of childhood asthma and wheezing.

A study conducted in Michigan found that 82% of African American students and 62% of Latinx students were affected by high levels of air pollution from industrial sources, compared to 44% of white students. Two more recent studies in Florida further reinforce these findings. The first study compared a school downwind of a major highway (more exposure) to one upwind (less exposure). Students with more exposure to pollution performed worse on tests, had more behavioural incidents, and were absent more frequently. The second study examined schools within a mile of toxic chemical release sites, and similarly found that students closer to these sites had lower test scores and higher absence rates.

The effects of air pollution on cognitive development are not limited to test scores and attendance. A study from Harvard University linked higher exposure to air pollution with an increased death rate from COVID-19. Additionally, children conceived within two miles of a toxic waste site were found to have lower test scores, a higher likelihood of repeating a grade, and a higher probability of discipline issues.

To mitigate the impact of air pollution on children's health and cognitive development, measures such as reducing traffic near schools, implementing no-idling zones outside schools, and improving indoor air quality through ventilation or air purification systems are recommended.

Frequently asked questions