A mum who campaigns for cleaner air has called for more action from schools when pollution levels are high in Manchester - including temporary closure if necessary. Ruth Todhunter, 43, whose daughter Jess, nine, suffered from breathing issues while attending a school on Northmoor Road, Longsight, is concerned about pollution levels outside classrooms.
Ruth concedes full closures might not be possible for many parents, particularly those with jobs in the emergency services. But she would also like to see more understanding for those parents with vulnerable children who choose to keep them at home to keep them safe during high pollution episodes.
Greater Manchester has suffered an 'ozone pollution episode' this week, - a period of particularly poor air quality sparked by high temperatures and existing traffic pollution. As reported in the M.E.N's 'Mancunian Way' newsletter on Tuesday, just three of the 452 sites recorded as within the legal limit for nitrogen dioxide are compliant with the latest WHO guidelines.
