Breathing clean air

Pupils at New Stevenston Primary School had a special lesson on air quality, to celebrate National Clean Air Day.

The primary five children learned about air pollution and how they can take steps to reduce this in their community, using an online learning package.

Fiona Maguire, senior environmental health officer with North Lanarkshire Council, used the package and various measuring devices to show the children how air pollution is monitored and measured across the area.

The class also had a chance to see one of the council’s electric cars and the Vehicle Emission Testing vehicle, before discussing with school travel co-ordinator Jacqui McDove how walking or cycling to school can help reduce pollution around their school.

The visit was organised as part of National Clean Air Day, which highlights the importance of air quality and encourages people to take simple steps to improve air quality and look after our health.

“The council monitors air quality across North Lanarkshire and has an action plan to address areas of pollution,”said Councillor Michael McPake, convener of NLC’s Infrastructure Committee.

“Our online learning package helps teach children about the importance of air quality in a fun, practical way and they can see how a simple change like walking to school instead of getting a lift, can have an effect on the air pollution around their school.”