Children's Health, Respiratory Inflammation and Short-term Air Pollution
This study aims to understand how air pollution affects children's lungs when they are active compared to when they are resting. Researchers will work with 330 children aged 7-11 from 10 primary schools in London, some in areas with higher pollution and some with lower. Children will have their breathing checked and give a snot sample. They will then take part in either an outdoor science lesson or a PE lesson, wearing a special activity tracker. Air pollution levels will be measured during these sessions. Afterward, their breathing and snot samples will be re-checked. This will help us understand if being active in polluted air affects children's lung health and how their bodies respond.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is designed to help us understand if playing sports or being active outside in areas with high air pollution is worse for children's lungs than just resting in the same polluted air. We know that air pollution can affect our health, especially our breathing, and we want to find out how this specifically impacts children when they're moving around.
To do this, researchers will invite 330 children from primary schools in London to take part. Some schools will be chosen because they are in areas with more pollution, and others in areas with less. The children will be between 7 and 11 years old. This research is important because it could help us understand how to keep children healthier when they are active outdoors, especially in cities.
The information gathered from this study could help schools, parents, and local councils make decisions about playtime and outdoor activities, ensuring children can stay active while being protected from harmful air pollution. It's all about making sure children can be healthy and active in their everyday lives.
Key takeaways
- This study looks at how air pollution affects children's lungs during outdoor activity.
- It involves children aged 7-11 from specific London primary schools.
- Children will have gentle breathing tests and give snot samples.
- They will take part in an outdoor PE or science lesson.
- The total time commitment is about 4 hours, spread across two school visits.
Who may be eligible?
Children who can take part in this study are those attending certain primary schools in Central and East London that have been specifically chosen for the research. Parents will receive information from their schools if their child's school is involved.
Children won't be able to join if their parents feel they can't safely take part in PE lessons. Also, children with learning or physical disabilities that would make it difficult for them to understand what's happening or to do the study activities would not be able to participate. This is to make sure all children taking part are comfortable and able to follow the instructions.
The study is for both boys and girls who are between 7 and 11 years old. If your child is in school years 3 to 6, they might be the right age for this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child attending a primary school in Central or East London that has been invited to participate?
- Is my child between 7 and 11 years old (typically school years 3 to 6)?
- Can my child safely and comfortably take part in outdoor PE lessons?
- Can my child understand simple instructions and tasks related to the study?
- Does my child have any learning or physical disabilities that would make study activities difficult?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, the study team will visit their school on two separate days. On the first day, they'll do some basic health checks in a classroom, like measuring height and weight. Your child will also do a breathing test, which involves blowing into a machine, and provide a 'snot sample.' This is done by squirting a little salt water up one nostril and catching any mucus in a cup. It's a quick and gentle process.
After these checks, your child will either take part in a typical outdoor PE lesson or an outdoor science lesson, depending on what's randomly chosen for their group. They'll wear a special activity tracker, like a fitness watch, during this time. The pollution levels in the playground will be checked while they're outside.
Immediately after the lesson, they'll have the same health checks, including the breathing test and snot sample, repeated. Then, on a second day, they'll have these health checks done one more time. In total, your child's involvement will take about 4 hours, spread across these visits.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Faculty of Medicine and DentistryVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What will my child have to do?
Your child will have their height, weight, and breathing checked, and they'll provide a gentle snot sample. They'll also take part in a normal outdoor science or PE lesson while wearing an activity tracker, and then have the checks repeated.
Will my child have to take any medicine?
No, your child will not have to take any medicine as part of this study.
How long will it take?
Your child's total involvement will be about 4 hours, spread over two visits to their school.
Is the snot sample painful?
No, the snot sample involves squirting a small amount of salt water into one nostril to collect a sample, and it is quick and gentle.
Can my child stop if they don't like it?
Yes, you or your child can decide to stop taking part at any time without any problems or having to give a reason.
How to find out more
James Scales, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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