Local Primary Schools 'Exposed to Dangerously Polluted Air'

EU pollution limits breached at three schools in the Chiswick area

A report allegedly suppressed by former Mayor Boris Johnson shows that a number of local schools are exposed to levels of exposure to pollution greater than EU mandated limits.

The report by Aether , an environmental consultancy, shows that the number of primary schools breaching EU levels had fallen from 433 in 2010 to 357 in 2013. But three schools in the Chiswick area were above the limits at this point. The St Mary's Catholic Primary School had a NO2 annual average mean of 49.0ug/m3 and the adjacent William Hogarth School had a reading of 46.7. St Peter's Primary School on Black Lion Lane was slightly higher with a reading of 49.2. The average mean limit is supposed to be 40.

William Hogarth and St. Mary's RC Schools exposed to poor air quality

The second worst affected school in London was St Paul's CofE Primary School in Hammersmith with a reading of 65.2.

Follow up research on secondary schools showed that 90 schools in the capital were exposed to levels of pollution that breached EU limits including Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Girls School in Hammersmith which was the third worst affected in London with 59.8ug/m3. The West London Free School was marginally above the limit with Acton High just below. There were no secondary schools in Hounslow Borough in the top 100 worse affected.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: “These figures are of great concern and show why it is absolutely right we act now on London’s polluted air. It is simply not acceptable that young Londoners – our children, grandchildren, family, neighbours and friends – are being exposed to dangerously polluted air and putting them at greater risk of respiratory and other conditions.”

The new mayor has already committed to bring forward the introduction of an ‘ultra low emissions zone’ in London. A major policy statement on pollution in the capital is expected this week.

July 2, 2016