A new online toolkit has been launched to get children involved in reducing the level of air pollution in their local area.
As part of the CAReless Pollution campaign, Colchester Borough Council has released a Toolkit for schools to give teachers a range of resources to inspire young people to address the issue of air pollution.
The Toolkit links to curriculum subjects, including Science, Geography, and English, as well as fieldwork using air quality monitors, and classwork including a poster competition and route mapping.
Air pollution is estimated to be linked to 5 per cent of premature deaths in Colchester. Pollutants reduce life expectancy, and has been linked to worsening respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD.
A recent study has shown that pregnant mothers exposed to higher levels of air pollution during pregnancy are more likely to have children with asthma.
Martin Goss, Head of Environment at Colchester Borough Council, commented; ‘We are really keen to inspire students to understand the consequences of air pollution and take positive action to improve local air.
‘We hope the Toolkit for Schools will encourage young people to speak to the adults in their household about switching off their engines while they wait, particularly outside the school gates.
‘The activities in the toolkit also provide an opportunity for young people to learn responsible driving habits before they get behind the wheel themselves’.
Colchester has been found to be among the top 100 most polluted areas in the UK, according to official Government data. Air quality levels are above the World Health Organisation guidelines for safe air quality.
Photo Credit: Pexels / Katerina Holmes
