Newtownabbey Borough Council launched its Air Quality Awareness Initiative at Kilbride Primary School recently using a fully equipped exhibition trailer.

Ciara Haughey, Environmental Health Officer comments;

“The purpose of the Air Quality Initiative is to raise awareness of the importance of air quality at an early age. It’s a fun and interactive opportunity for pupils from the local primary schools to learn about air pollution and the importance of breathing clean air. We hope that the pupils will bring information home to their families about ways to reduce air pollution by car sharing, walking and switching off electrical appliances when not in use.”

Environmental Health staff demonstrated by experiments how everyday activities cause air pollution and advised the pupils how to reduce air pollution. Pupils were then able test their knowledge by taking part in an interactive quiz.

Gail Ferguson, Principal of Kilbride Primary School added;

“The theme of air pollution helps to address one of the environmental themes under our Eco-Schools Programme which encourages pupils to engage with environmental issues, developing a much more creative learning environment for all pupils. All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the event and were able to learn about air quality in a fun and interactive way. I would certainly recommend this initiative to other primary schools.”

If you would like further information on the Air Quality Awareness Initiative please contact Ciara Haughey, Environmental Health Department at Mossley Mill, Tel: 028 9034 0161 or email envhealth@newtownabbey.gov.uk