Local councils are mandated to monitor pollution levels at most UK schools , according to freedom of information requests issued by the British Lung Foundation ( BLF ) . Of the 322 councils that replied , out of a total of 433 councils , just 140 received government advice to place monitors within 10 metres of schools . In areas identified by the World Health Organisation as suffering harmful levels of particulate pollution often only one or more schools were monitored . The recommendations called for stronger guidelines for local authorities . Research has indicated that exposure to pollution when young can cause permanent damage to lung capacity .
Local councils are failing to monitor pollution levels at most UK schools, according to freedom of information requests submitted by the British Lung Foundation (BLF). Of the 322 councils that replied, out of a total of 433 councils, just 140 followed government advice to place monitors within 10 metres of schools. In areas identified by the World Health Organisation as suffering harmful levels of particulate pollution often only one or two schools were monitored. The BLF called for stronger guidelines for local authorities. Research has indicated that exposure to pollution when young can cause permanent damage to lung capacity.