All Warrington high schools have poor air quality

New data shows that of the 13 secondary schools in Warrington, Beamont has the worst quality of air in terms of PM2.5 pollution.

According to the World Health Organisation, an acceptable level of paticulate matter in the air is five micrograms per cubic metre - Beamont has 11.03 micrograms per cubic metre.

All secondary schools in Warrington have unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to WHO data

The UK's national limit for PM2.5 pollution is 25 micrograms.

Studies have shown that nearly 20 per cent of strokes are attributed to areas that have "high" air pollution (above 10 micrograms per metre) for over a year.

Beamont Collegiate Academy has the highest level of air pollution amongst Warrington's secondary schools, meanwhile Great Sankey High School has the lowest level, with 9.73 micrograms per cubic metre - which is still nearly double the rate recommended by the W.H.O.

It's estimated that poor air quality in Warrington is responsible for up to 145 deaths per year.

Warrington Borough Council's website says: "Poor air quality affects children’s lung and heart development and is also linked to asthma. On poor air quality days, pollution levels can make symptoms worse. 

"Warrington has no schools located within areas that exceed national limits.  However there are a number close to these areas and pupils travelling to school have to travel through areas of poor air quality."