An art campaign to raise awareness about the impact of air pollution on children’s health has hit the streets of Southampton.

The campaign involves posters created by artist Nathan Evans and commissioned by Breathing Spaces, an anti-pollution project by sustainability group The Southampton Collective.

The pieces appeared near schools and playgrounds across the city on Thursday 8th October, which was Clean Air Day 2020.

Mandi Bissett, Director of The Southampton Collective said: “Air pollution is not a ‘green’ issue, it is about our health.

“Toxic air is an invisible killer which affects every single organ in the body and children are most susceptible because their bodies are still growing.

“We need to start talking about creating healthy neighbourhoods and safer streets for us all.”

The campaign encourages residents to walk and cycle, speak up about clean air issues and avoid burning wood.

Ms Bissett said: “Motorised transport has long been a hot topic for the city but most people don’t realise that wood-burning stoves and fire-pits also create fine particle pollution.

“This can get deep into the heart, lungs and brain.”

Daily Echo:

According to research by King’s College London, a 20% improvement in Southampton’s air quality would mean every year 150 fewer children would suffer from low lung function.

Rebecca Kinge, a Director of The Southampton Collective and co-ordinator of the Southampton Art in Health Forum said: “Much of the city’s population is vulnerable to air pollution due to age, health or where they live.

“The good news is that there are actions that we can all take to improve air quality.

“If we work together then we could make substantial improvements to people’s health.”