Is the air pollution affecting children’s performance at school?

Barcelona (ACN).- Leaded fuel was discovered to be negatively affecting children taking intelligence tests. Test scores were 6 points lower for children exposed to this kind of fuel, which was banned in the EU in 2001. Scientific research confirmed that leaded fuel is not only damaging for the environment, but also has harmful effects for human lungs and brains. The co-director of the Centre for Environmental Epidemiology Research of Catalonia (CREAL), Jordi Sunyer, is leading a new study that will explore the impact of pollution on academic performance. Up to 4.000 children from 40 different schools will take part in the investigation. “Small-particle pollution in the air might affect brain nerve connections,” said Sunyer in an interview with the CNA. His theory has already been tested on animals, but no research on human beings has been developed yet. This is why the study the CREAL study has received an Advanced Grand worth three million euros from the European Union.

“A child brain is an organ in development and is vulnerable,” explained Sunyer, who added that this is the reason why children can be more affected by pollution. The scientist said that small-particle pollution caused by diesel engines in vehicles is especially harmful.

The aim of Sunyer’s research is to design a pollution-map of the schools and areas that students cross to get from home to class. The map will show children’s exposure to pollution, and how it differs amongst schools. “We know that in Barcelona some schools are 10 times more exposed to pollution than others,” said Sunyer, who is working on the hypothesis that pollution affects children’s learning process. He aims to demonstrate that “the higher the pollution, the poorer the academic performance”. If such a statement is discovered to be true, it would mean a huge step forward in understanding learning processes as well as conduct disorders and brain diseases.

To carry out the research, scientists will use: a GPS system; equipment for measuring energy used by children; and a device calculating air pollution in a specific location. All the data will be then used to develop tests with voluntary kids. “The conclusions will help to introduce changes at the most polluted schools and the health advantages will be perceived more quickly”, argued Sunyer.