School walk far more toxic for kids than adults

CHILDREN who walk to school are exposed to almost a third more pollution than adults walking with them, a study found.

Their shorter height puts them in closer proximity to exhaust fumes, meaning they breathe in around 30 per cent more harmful toxins.

But youngsters going to school by car are most at risk – exposed to double the levels of those walking on busy roads.

The research, conducted by pollution campaigners Global Action Plan, said the findings show children are exposed to harmful levels of particulate pollution every day, putting them at risk of a host of major health problems in later life, from asthma to heart and lung disease.

Researchers looked at children’s daily commutes to school in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and London.

They tested the pollution exposure of children and adults using different transportation, recording levels for those walking on a quiet route, a main road, going by car on a busy route, or taking the bus.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove described the findings as ‘troubling’.

He said: ‘This is a further demonstration of why we need to take strong action now to improve air quality.’