High Levels of Pollution in too many Classrooms

One in six schools and childcare centres in capital cities are exposed to air pollution from busy roads, heightening the risks of asthma and respiratory conditions. In some cases it can be as bad as the kids inhaling cigarettes.

In Australian capital cities, 827 schools and more than 2,300 childcare centres are within 100 metres of a busy road.

Children exposed to air pollution face an increased risk of short- and long-term health issues, including asthma attacks, reduced lung function and respiratory conditions.

One in six Australian schools and childcare centres across the capital cities are located within 100 metres of a busy road. That equates to more than 2,300 childcare centres and 827 schools.

Childcare centres are the most likely to be located near a busy road (21%), followed by secondary schools (17%), and primary schools (15%).

In 2021, air pollution in Australia was linked to an estimated 4,250 premature deaths, more than triple the 1,130 deaths that occurred in car accidents that year (Health Effects Institute and Australian Road Deaths Database).

Climate Councillor and public health physician, Dr Kate Charlesworth, said, “Spending time playing outdoors should be joyful, but when you live, work or play near busy roads it can also make you sick. Children, who are still developing and breathe faster, are among the most vulnerable. We know that inhaling air pollution can be as bad for them as sucking in second hand cigarette smoke. As a mum and as a doctor, I want to see fewer and fewer people showing up unwell in our health system because of air pollution.

“The good news is that we can reduce transport pollution by cleaning up our vehicles and investing in shared and active transport. There’s no reason why we can’t be doing more to clean up our roads and our lungs at the same time, right now. We’ve started cutting transport pollution with electric vehicles and encouraging people in our cities to use shared and active means of getting around, but we need to move faster.”

Dr Harriet Fesq, Board Chair Parents for Climate added, “We can't treat kids' lungs like air pollution filters - it causes serious health risks and is a significant cause of death globally. Kids need protection to develop strong, healthy bodies and are particularly vulnerable to damage from air pollution from the time they are in the womb.