Mummy, can I do painting tomorrow? Only if the air pollution is low darling

We know charcoal smoke pollution is a problem in the evenings — but the dirty air doesn’t just disappear when the smoke does. When there’s no wind, it can linger.

As a mummy of two, it’s heart-breaking that this affects everyday moments. My little boy wanted to paint outside — something he loves — but instead of grabbing the paints, I checked the air monitor and had to say no.

These readings from 2-weeks in March show that air pollution can linger when our children should expect to be able to play safely while breathing in clean air. For reference, WHO safe daily levels PM2.5 are 15.

Enough is enough. Give children clean air to breathe, Haringey Council. And everyone.