Children & Air QualityProtecting Developing Lungs
Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution. Learn how to protect their developing lungs at home and advocate for cleaner air in schools.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable
Impact on Child Development
🫁 Lung Development
Children exposed to high pollution develop smaller lungs with reduced capacity. A 2019 study found children near busy roads had 5-10% lower lung function.
🧠 Brain Development
Emerging research links PM2.5 to cognitive effects in children, including attention problems and reduced academic performance.
🏃 Physical Activity
Pollution exposure reduces children's exercise capacity and may discourage outdoor play on high pollution days.
😷 Asthma & Allergies
1 in 11 UK children have asthma. Pollution exposure increases both the development of asthma and frequency of attacks.
Protecting Your Child at Home
Bedroom Priority
Children spend 10+ hours in their bedroom. A quiet air purifier running overnight provides significant protection during this extended period.
- ✓ MERV 13-16 or HEPA H13
- ✓ Under 35dB for sleep
- ✓ 5-6 ACH target
- ✓ Run continuously
Other Strategies
- • Walk on less polluted side of road (away from traffic)
- • Avoid peak traffic times for school runs
- • Keep windows closed during rush hour
- • Use back streets rather than main roads
- • Check air quality forecasts before outdoor play
Improving School Air Quality
Many UK schools have poor air quality, especially those near busy roads. Here's how to advocate for change:
For Parents
- • Request air quality monitoring data from school
- • Propose Corsi-Rosenthal boxes for classrooms
- • Advocate for MERV13+ HVAC filters
- • Support anti-idling campaigns at school gates
- • Join or form a parent clean air group
For Schools
- • Install air quality monitors in classrooms
- • Upgrade HVAC filters to MERV13+
- • Consider portable HEPA units for high-use rooms
- • Time outdoor PE to avoid pollution peaks
- • Create vehicle-free zones near entrances
Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes for Schools
Post-pandemic, thousands of schools worldwide have adopted DIY Corsi-Rosenthal boxes. At £50-100 per unit, they're cost-effective for classrooms. Many schools build them as science projects with students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are children more vulnerable to air pollution?
Children breathe 50% more air relative to body weight than adults. Their lungs are still developing until age 18-25. They spend more time outdoors and are often closer to exhaust level. This means they receive higher doses of pollutants.
How does air pollution affect child lung development?
Studies show children exposed to high PM2.5 have reduced lung growth (up to 10% reduction in FEV1). This can persist into adulthood. London school children near busy roads have measurably lower lung function.
Should I get an air purifier for my child's bedroom?
Yes, especially if you live near busy roads, your child has asthma, or you're in a high pollution area. Children spend 10+ hours in their bedroom - making it the most impactful room to purify.
What about air quality in schools?
Many UK schools exceed WHO pollution limits. Advocate for MERV13+ filtration in HVAC systems. Corsi-Rosenthal boxes are cost-effective classroom solutions used in thousands of schools post-pandemic.
Child-Friendly Options
Quiet Bedroom Unit
30-37dB, safe for sleep, MERV16
From £149
Classroom CR Box Kit
High CADR, MERV13, DIY build
From £50