We visited one of Birmingham’s beloved playgrounds to uncover how toxic air pollution can turn playtime into a hidden danger

We visited Moonlit Park in Birmingham, a charming playground nestled in the heart of the Lee Bank area, between Bell Barn Road and Mosedale Way.

It’s a beloved spot where parents bring their children for a quick play before school or where kids gather in the evenings to enjoy time with their neighbours.

On a crisp Thursday morning, the local playground stood quiet, awaiting the arrival of its young visitors. The swings swayed gently in the breeze, and the slides gleamed under the early sun.

However, amidst the stillness, a serious message was being conveyed by Asthma + Lung UK. The charity was on a mission to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of air pollution on children’s health, particularly in Birmingham.

BirminghamWorld had the opportunity to speak with Olivia, a policy officer from Asthma + Lung UK, who shared some alarming insights. “Toxic air takes a heavy toll on the youngest in our society,” Olivia began. “It stunts the growth of their lungs, which can damage their health for the rest of their lives.”

She continued: “Children are more vulnerable because their airways are smaller and still developing. They also breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they take in more polluted air.”

Olivia also highlighted the broader health implications of air pollution. “Air pollution is increasingly linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. It contributes to hundreds of premature deaths in Birmingham annually,” she explained.

Birmingham ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the country, with levels of toxic air almost five times higher than WHO limits for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), one of the most harmful pollutants, and even exceeds London levels. There are over 24,000 children in Birmingham living with asthma, and there were 585 child admissions to A&E last year due to respiratory issues.

Asthma + Lung UK has been in touch with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council, both of which have recognised the severe air pollution in the city and has helped spearheading Asthma + Lung UK campaigns to combat it.

The charity is urging the public to support their campaign, which calls on the government to implement bold clean air legislation. “We need world-leading health targets to safeguard public health and deliver clean air as soon as possible,” Olivia emphasised.

Asthma + Lung UK wants the government to publish new plans to protect people from air pollution, improve public information on the issue, set out findings and guidance for traffic reduction measures in key areas (around care homes, schools, and hospitals), and commit to inclusive walking and cycling policies.

During my visit, I also spoke with Tracy, a concerned grandparent who had brought her granddaughter to the playground, before she head off to nursey.

“I’m worried about air pollution and the effect it has on youngsters with asthma, breathing problems, and everything that goes along with it. It’s sad times,” she said.

“We have clean air zones in Birmingham, but can be pricey for us, paying to drive to go to certain areas, we should focus on other measures to improve air quality, that’s less pricey”

The playground is not just a day of fun for the children but also a significant reminder of the need to address air pollution.

With 1 in 8 UK households not having their own garden and the vast majority of British children living in built-up urban areas, access to public playgrounds and outdoor spaces is crucial for exercise and recreation.

Asthma + Lung UK’s campaign is taking crucial step towards ensuring a healthier future for the next generation, by making Birmingham's parents learn more about air quality, that has an impact on their children.

Reflecting on this visit, it’s clear that understanding air quality goes beyond mere statistics and regulations, but making Birmingham a healthier place for our children to grow and thrive. As Olivia aptly put it, “After all, we wouldn’t want our children to drink dirty water, so why should they breathe dirty air?”

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