Safe Air Schools UK has issued an urgent plea to the UK government, warning that poor air quality in classrooms is creating a preventable public health crisis, fuelling illness, and disrupting children’s education.
In an open letter sent to education ministers across all four UK nations, the parent-led campaign group states that ‘continued inaction is contributing to illness, disrupted learning, and rising school absences.’ The letter, backed by leading scientists and clinicians, argues that while illness is the leading cause of school absence, the link to polluted indoor air is being ignored.
The group highlights that children spend most of their time indoors, with UK children averaging just 68 minutes outside daily. Inside schools, they are exposed to a harmful mix of airborne pathogens like colds, flu, and COVID-19; allergens such as mould spores and dust mites; and gases from cleaning products or faulty appliances.
The letter also notes that around 80% of particulate pollution inside classrooms originates from outdoors, meaning cleaning indoor air is as vital as tackling outdoor pollution.
‘Research consistently shows that improving air quality in schools does more than improve attendance. Cleaner air supports pupils’ well-being, sharpens concentration, and strengthens learning outcomes,’ the letter states, citing warnings from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health that early exposure to pollution can impair brain development.
Despite a £67 million government investment in CO₂ monitors for schools during the pandemic, the campaigners point out there is still no formal requirement to collect, record, or act on the data they generate. They call this a wasted opportunity to understand and address the problem.
The coalition is demanding immediate action, including a national public health campaign on indoor air pollutants, updated statutory air quality standards for schools with a target of below 800ppm CO₂, and immediate funding for HEPA air filtration units in classrooms. They argue that providing clean air for a child for an entire school year can cost the price of a single pizza.
The letter concludes with the warning: ‘If we accept that school closures are unacceptable, we must invest in preventing them.’ With climate change expected to worsen indoor air quality through increased humidity, mould, and pollen, the group insists that safeguarding the air children breathe is an urgent investment in their health, education, and future.
Photo: CDC
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