Leeds schools: The 11 most polluted school sites in Leeds, and where has the worst pollution levels

Analysis by Friends of the Earth of the latest available air pollution data reveals that there are 2,546 neighbourhoods in England where average air pollution levels are double World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Unfortunately, their analysis also shows 11 schools in Leeds are in areas above the recommended levels.

Which schools fall in these areas?

Leeds schools in areas with higher than recommended particulate or nitrogen dioxide levels are: Hunslet Moor Primary School, Park View Primary Academy, The Richmond Hill Academy, Leeds City College, Swarthmore Education Centre, Leeds College of Building, Adel Beck, The Ruth Gorse Academy, LS-TEN, Shakespeare Primary School, Co-op Academy Leeds.

Adel Beck had the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), while Park View Primary had the highest levels of particulates (PM2.5).

What is NO2 and PM2.5, why is it important?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is created mainly by fossil fuel-burning motor vehicles and is poisonous in heavily concentrated amounts. Particulate matter (PM2.5) refers to tiny particles in the atmosphere caused by vehicles, mainly via the burning of fossil fuels and wear on tyres and brakes.

Increased exposure to either can cause long-term respiratory disease.

Aren’t things like this mainly a London problem?

While the analysis shows more than 90 per cent of these neighbourhoods are in London, some areas of Leeds are also badly affected.

The data also found that people of colour are three times more likely to live in these high air pollution neighbourhoods and that half of these neighbourhoods are among the most deprived in England.

People living in these areas are also three times less likely to own a car than people living in other areas, meaning they are contributing the least to poor air quality.

What do the campaigners say about it?

Jenny Bates from Friends of the Earth said: “It’s a scandal that more than a million children and young people in England live in areas where average air pollution levels are twice World Health Organisation guidelines for either or both of two of the deadliest pollutants.

“Millions of people are suffering the effects of living in the most polluted neighbourhoods – with the most deprived communities and people of colour the hardest hit."