Improving air quality
inside schools
for safe, inclusive,
sustainable education
Air Inside Schools
Outside of home, children spend the majority of their time in classrooms where they can be exposed to high levels of air pollution. Until recently, scientific research has focused on the risk of outdoor pollutants, from sources such as road traffic and wood burning. But indoor air quality also really matters.
Indoor pollutants include fine particulate matter, mould, fungal spores & pollen, high levels of CO₂ and airborne viruses (that cause measles, flu and COVID-19). It could also include microscopic pieces of plastic.
Did you know that poor ventilation means indoor air can become up to five times more polluted than outdoor air?
Breathing poor quality air is a well-documented risk to children's immediate and long-term health, as well as cognition. Improving air quality in schools will not only reduce absence rates and safeguard children’s health and wellbeing; there is evidence that it will also sharpen concentration and enhance educational performance.
The Safe Air Schools Foundation is a grassroots organisation, guided by experts, advocating for effective and meaningful change in UK schools.
Available Affordable Solutions
Schools could provide safer air per child per year, for the price of a coffee & cake
Pupils are physically close together in their classrooms, with a typical school having approximately four times as many occupants as an adult office space. We encourage the teaching community to routinely use their CO₂ monitors and open windows, whenever possible. But air quality in densely-packed classrooms cannot be reliably improved with just this strategy.
Long-term government investment in mechanical ventilation systems is the ultimate solution. In the meantime, every school can ensure a safer learning environment for students and staff by deploying portable air filters throughout their buildings.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Schools are public spaces that should be safe and accessible to all.
Some children and staff who are immune-compromised, enduring cancer treatment or have allergies and asthma have greater risks to their health from air pollution. By advocating for safer indoor air, we will promote equitable education to safeguard our at-risk and clinically vulnerable community; leaving nobody behind.
Speaking up for Children
Young people depend on adults to keep them safe, yet the government are not addressing this major issue. We are committed to championing an education system that prioritises young people's physical as well as mental health.
Children have a right to in-person education. They need those crucial early years of educational inspiration, physical play, challenges and friendship. As parents we also want them to be there. But they must be there safely.
Our hope is that alongside pencils, lightbulbs and clean running water, clean air will one day be seen as an essential part of a healthy, enriching learning environment
Campaign for Legislation
Whilst the UK has outdoor air quality guidelines, unlike the food we eat and the water we drink, indoor air pollution has no specific legislation.
We are working on the ground level with parents, teachers and individual schools but are also committed to advancing the political campaign for clean indoor air by supporting other key figures and engaging effectively with policy makers for safe and sustainable schooling. Through collaboration and dialogue, we aim to influence policies and practices that promote healthier educational environments.
86%
of new school sites are planned in areas in breach of all three World Health Organisation air pollution targets
Over 1/4
of UK schools are in areas above World Health Organisation air pollution limits
In 2023 -24
The majority of pupil absence in schools in England is due to illness
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