Dire school air quality underestimated by inadequate monitoring, says researcher

Air pollution near schools at pick-up and drop-off times has become big news in recent few years, with campaign groups like Mums For Lungs springing up to raise awareness.  

Mainly from car exhausts, this pollution hugely detrimental effects on children's development like reduced lung function, cognitive impairments, and exacerbated asthma symptoms. 

But Marta O’Brien, a researcher at the University of Reading, has found that the conventional approach to monitoring this pollution may obscure lots of pollution.

To watch the full interview, click here. 

Conventional monitoring smooths out spikes in pollution 

O’Brien’s research focuses on air pollution spikes near school gates—a location that is (surprisingly) not widely studied, despite its significance.  

Peaks in pollution occur in short, concentrated bursts, making them hard to detect with traditional monitoring equipment placed further away.  

Similarly, conventional approaches often average data over periods as long as a year (annual mean value), failing to capture all-important spikes. 

READ: A public-centered approach to curbing air pollution: talking with Canterbury Council’s Kelly Haynes 

Should the UK have stricter air quality regulations? 

In her research, O’Brien focuses on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which is understudied despite being widely understood to harm health. 

Beyond direct exposure to NO2, which can reduce lung function and exacerbate existing respiratory issues, it reacts with other atmospheric compounds to form secondary PM2.5. 

The UK’s current statutory air quality limits permit concentrations of air pollutants in excess of the World Health Organization’s most recent recommendations. 

O’Brien calls for the UK’s limit values align with the WHO’ guidelines. Delays in adopting stricter air quality standards jeopardize the health of future generations. 

How community monitoring is tackling urban air pollution 

O’Brien is committed to community engagement and monitoring, working closely with schools to educate parents and children about air quality.  

As part of her Clean Air Living Matters project, she conducts interactive sessions that inform schoolchildren about the sources of pollution. 

This grassroots approach extends to conversations with parents in an attempt to prevent idling or unnecessary car journeys. 

To watch the full interview, click here.