To be put off a school because of the traffic fumes?

[PomPomsAllTheWay]

I'm applying for primary school places and we are lucky enough to have a choice of schools. One is on a very busy, congested main road that is known as a black spot for poor air quality. However the school is lovely and if it was on a less busy road it would be my top choice, as ironically they are really outdoors focused and the kids are always out and about. AIBU to be concerned about the kids being in traffic fumes all day? I realise that I'm lucky in that some kids don't have a choice.

[SoleSource]

I love a good sniff of traffic fumes/Tarmac yabu

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

We're all breathing in traffic fumes, all the time.

[WorraLiberty]

Unless they other schools are in the next county or something, how much difference is it going to make?

Pollution has a habit of travelling.

[WorraLiberty]

*the

[BarbarianMum]

YANBU we disregarded whole areas of town because of air pollution. Our town is set on a series of hills and air quality in some of the dips is dire. Air quality black spots can be very localised too.
People in general are very clued up about not wanting cigarette smoke round their children but don't bat an eyelid at nitrous oxide and pm10s.

[wasonthelist]

Where is such detailed analysis of air quality available? I ask because I suspect the air quality in my area is poor, but I cannot find any data online

[PomPomsAllTheWay]

You can check the environment agency website or your local council website, if they are on the case.

Barbarian - that's the exact issue here, the centre of town is in a bowl and the air pollution sits there. Further up the hill you get a nice breeze and less traffic.

[wasonthelist]

Checked EA website - it says the pollutikn maps only refer to industrial emssions (factories etc) - does anyone have any actual data or is this based on anecdotes?

[PomPomsAllTheWay]

I'm not up on all the detailed research, it's just a well known local issue. I can't link on my phone, but google Air Quality Management Areas.

Kohl - what do you mean, do I really have a choice? Yes I have a choice of schools.

[hibbleddible]

It would be a factor for me too, and part of what I liked about dd's school is that it is on a lovely quiet cul-de-sac.

The other schools, are they similar but on quieter streets?

[Galaxymum]

OP - No YANBU or we were as well. We didn't select our nearest school as it is on a main road and DD doesn't like traffic noise. I was concerned that the playground faces the road and the fumes could affect her. So we chose a rural school....ironically two fields away from the motorway so the traffic noise is a drone. BUT the fumes are not a few feet away! I don't think it would be an issue if the playground was at the back but at the front, yes.

[SeasonalVag]

My son had a permanent chesty cough at night. We knew we lived in a very polluted part of a city. We moved for other reasons ,, and now live in the country. Literally the first night we were here, his cough had gone. Its never come back, neither have any of his respiratory issues.

You cannot ignore pollution. Particulates are really dangerous and you don't want him breathing in that muck for over an hour a day.

[HopelesslydevotedtoGu]

Yanbu. Children living within 200 metres of busy roads have a higher chance of asthma. Inhaled pollutants from traffic are linked to many cancers and respiratory conditions. Of course it should be one of several factors to weigh up when choosing a school, but it definitely is a factor.

[HopelesslydevotedtoGu]

Air quality by road in London:

www.howpollutedismyroad.org.uk/roads.php

[FlatOnTheHill]

PomPoms
I can see your concern its your child at the end of the day.
But for me the fact its a lovely school wins hands down. There is pollution everywhere. Even the products we use are full of chemicals and crap. I work in the chemical industry and have some very big brand customers. You would not believe what goes into everyday products. Im getting off subject now!
Go for the school that you think best for your child. Fumes are everywhere. Dont worry about it. Good luck.

[BlackeyedShepherdsbringsheep]

It would be a factor for me too. apparently... (half listening to tv or possibly radio) lots of thick shrubbery helps.

[FlatOnTheHill]

Blackeyed. That shrubbery thing is interesting. Perhaps they absorb!

[PomPomsAllTheWay]

I've heard the shrubbery thing about lime trees in streets, a kind of natural filter.

Kohl - it was like that a few years ago, but most schools around here have added an extra class and new schools have opened. Still won't get into the closet school however!

The 2 schools are quite different in size, demographic, focus, approach etc.

[InsufficientlyCaffeinated]

I think YANBU but ONLY if you intend on walking/cycling/scooting to school and not driving to contribute to pollution. If you're choosing somewhere less polluted but driving and adding to pollution then YABU

One of my main criterion for choosing a nursery is policies to actively encourage active travel/discourage driving in parents and I don't care if anybody thinks I'm a ridiculous hippy!