New Philips Classroom Air Quality Program

After the successful implementation of the ‘Clean Air for Schools’ project in the United Kingdom by GAP and the Philips Foundation, the Pilot Program “Clean Air in Schools” He will provide free support to help schools implement a clean air action plan. Between May and June 2021, schools participating in this initiative will receive 10 air purifiers to help clean the air inside the classroom.

In addition, schools will develop a series of activities such as Workshops for students to learn about the problem of air pollution Create a fresh air plan for the school led by teachers. They will also receive advice and educational resources from GAP and Philips Foundation to help implement the actions outlined in the business plan. The nine centers participating in the pilot program will evaluate the program and the tools used in order to improve and apply, in the second phase, to a larger number of Spanish schools.

Information and Preventing harm to the health of children “Through exposure to air pollution, it is of the utmost importance,” says Margot Cogmans, Director of the Philips Foundation. “We need to protect school-age children from air pollution, and from the major health risks it poses, the obvious effects of which affect the ability to learn and focus.”

Pollution also affects the brain

Young children in particular are at risk of air pollution, as their bodies are still developing and developing Polluted air can lead to health problems, Including irreversible damage to lung function, worsening respiratory problems and, in some cases, can cause asthma.

Investigations that are taking place in this area indicate this Air pollution also affects brain development It reduces memory and learning capacity for boys and girls, ”says Carlos Opie, head of the GAP in Spain.“ Indeed, a recent study suggests that reducing air pollution levels by 20% can improve the educational capacity of schoolchildren in 30 days. in the year”.

Philips and GAP consider it essential to protect children’s health from air pollution so that they have the best opportunities in life and that new generations are healthy and protected from future epidemics as much as possible.

Problem solution

The good news is that air pollution has a solution and there is a solution Very simple measures that schools They can adopt it to protect children’s health, “continues the head of the Global Plan of Action. Schools can combat air pollution by doing things like:

• Reducing pollution caused by the delivery of supplies To the coordinating school, for example, the delivery schedule.
Reducing pollution at the entrance to the school by encouraging parents and school staff to do so Go on foot or by bike.
• Encouraging students to work with local agents Request changes to make the air less polluted In their cities.
• Strengthen Planting trees That works by reducing air pollution and helping to provide cleaner air in the center and the school environment.

Likewise, the promoters of this program believe that educating schoolchildren about air pollution and air quality can help them complete the core curriculum for primary education. Specifically, clean air in schools They can be incorporated into the content of the core topics As natural sciences and social sciences, working on the contents of the specific topic of social and civic values.

“Knowing about air pollution can also help them acquire exemplary strategies for scientific work that reinforce attitudes related to curiosity, interest, rigor, accuracy, creativity, critical thinking, effort, independence in personal work or active and responsible behavior at work.”, Concludes GAP Spain President.