Revealed: Parents concerns over impact of air pollution on children

A new report offers an insight into the fears mothers and fathers have when it comes to our atmosphere and kids. 

Air purifier manufacturer Coway has published a study of British parents’ concerns over the impact of air pollution on their children, giving an overview of exactly how worried the country is becoming when it comes to what we breathe in. 

Around four-in-five parents – or 79% – are now concerned their children are at risk from poor air quality where they live, and only marginally less (77%) believe they are bringing people into a world where air pollution is getting worse. 71% claim the Covid-19 pandemic has made them more aware of air quality issues. 

Strikingly, the survey also sends a clear warning to town planners and regional hospitality and tourism sectors, with 29% of respondents claiming they actively avoid visiting, travelling, or working in British cities because of air pollution. Meanwhile, 26% have considered moving to the countryside in a bid to breathe easier. The biggest ‘worry factors’ among UK parents when it comes to air pollution and their children are: 

Fumes (65%)
Chemical fumes (54%)
Airborne viruses (53%)
Smoke (53%)
Dust (44%)
Pollen (37%)
Pets (13%)

These concerns are easy to understand given the mounting evidence of both exposure to high levels of air pollution among children, and the detrimental impact this has on their health and cognitive development. Last year, research by E.ON showed that the majority of UK minors are themselves worried about air pollution. 

Image credit: John-Mark Smith