Air pollution

Children are more sensitive to air pollution than adults. Poor air quality can affect health from before birth and throughout life. Even when the air looks clear, it may still contain harmful pollutants.

Where air pollution comes from

• Air pollution comes from a range of sources, including road traffic, burning fuels, industry and farming. Because of this, air pollution can be found in both towns and rural areas.
• Many pollutants are invisible, which means the air may look clean even when pollution is present.
• When polluted air is breathed in, tiny particles can enter the lungs and pass into the bloodstream, where they can affect different parts of the body.

How air pollution affects health

Air pollution can impact health at every stage of life.

• Exposure during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.
• Early exposure can affect how children’s lungs grow and develop.
• Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart and lung disease.
• Some research also links air pollution to mental health conditions and dementia.

Why children are more affected

Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs and immune systems are still developing.

Their airways are smaller, which means pollution can irritate them more easily. Children also breathe faster than adults and are often closer to pollution sources such as vehicle exhausts.

Air pollution can:

• Increase the risk of developing asthma
• Make asthma symptoms worse
• Affect how well children’s lungs develop as they grow.

Researchers are also looking at how air pollution may affect children’s brain development.

What families can do to reduce exposure

There are simple steps families can take to reduce children’s exposure to air pollution.

• Avoid busy roads where possible when walking or cycling.
• Choose quieter routes to school or parks.
• Keep car engines switched off when parked, especially near schools or homes.
• Check local air quality forecasts and limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.
• Support local actions that aim to reduce air pollution in the community.

Asthma and Air pollution information leaflet

This information leaflet has been developed by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System to help raise awareness of how air pollution can affect health and to provide practical advice on how to reduce exposure at home and when out and about.

It includes simple steps that individuals and families can take to improve indoor and outdoor air quality and help protect their health, particularly for people living with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

You can also visit the Clean Air Hub to find out more about air pollution.