Enabling children’s agency: monitoring and taking action on indoor air quality

Recently, conversations around air quality and its impact on health has gained significant attention. As concern about air pollution continues to grow, it has become increasingly important to understand how we are affected, which is especially vital in our homes and workplaces. This is why we have equipped children with personal air sensors to measure pollution levels in their environments. Over the past few months, we have had the privilege of working with students from Ysgol Morswyn and Ysgol Llanfechell.

The idea behind this project is simple yet powerful: by giving children personal air sensors, we enable them to participate in understanding and addressing air pollution. These small, portable devices measure particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10), which are tiny particles in the air that can have health implications when inhaled. The children take the sensors home, allowing them to passively collect data on air quality in their immediate surroundings. These can include anywhere ranging from their living rooms, kitchens, or even their gardens.

At both schools, the students embraced the opportunity to measure their air quality. They learned about the sources of pollution, how it affects their health, and why monitoring pollution levels matter. The most valuable insights came during the analysis stage. The children had a map of their local area and they noted areas that they felt had higher levels of pollution. What was notable was the children’s innate ability to accurately pinpoint areas they believed to be polluted.

The findings: wood burning stoves and indoor air quality

One of the most striking findings from both schools was the significant impact of wood burning stoves on indoor air quality. Many of the children live in homes where wood burners are used for heating, especially during the colder months. While these stoves create a cozy atmosphere, the data revealed that they also release substantial amounts of particulate matter into the air.

In several cases, the sensors detected PM2.5 levels that exceeded recommended safety limits, particularly in rooms where the stoves were in use. This was a revelation for both the children and their families, many of whom were unaware of the potential health risks associated with wood burning. The data sparked important conversations about balancing the cost of heating with the need for clean air.

Why this matters

The findings from Ysgol Morswyn and Ysgol Llanfechell highlight a broader issue: the need for greater awareness about indoor air pollution. While outdoor air quality often grabs headlines, the air inside our homes can be just as polluted—if not more so. Wood burning stoves, while a traditional and often beloved source of heat, can contribute significantly to this problem.

This is a critical issue for children, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Exposure to prominent levels of particulate matter can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate asthma, and even impact cognitive development. By involving children in the process of measuring and understanding air quality, we are both raising awareness and creating a sense of agency and responsibility.

What’s next?

The success of this project at Ysgol Morswyn and Ysgol Llanfechell has inspired us to expand our efforts. We are planning to visit more schools, equip more children with sensors, and continue gathering data on air quality in different settings. But beyond data collection, our goal is to drive meaningful change. We are collaborating with local communities to share best practices for reducing indoor air pollution, such as ensuring proper ventilation, using cleaner-burning fuels, and maintaining wood stoves to minimise emissions.

We are also encouraging schools and families to think creatively about how they can improve air quality in their homes. Simple steps, like opening windows regularly, using air purifiers, or even switching to alternative heating methods can make a significant difference.

A call to action

Air pollution is a complex issue, but it is one that we can tackle together. By empowering children with the tools and knowledge to measure and understand air quality, we are planting the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable future. The students at Ysgol Morswyn and Ysgol Llanfechell have shown us that even the youngest members of our community can play a vital role in this effort.