The report, based on data collected last November, indicates that all analyzed Barcelona schools exceed the 10 µg/m³ NO2 limit set by the WHO. Furthermore, 93% of these centers surpass the 20 µg/m³ NO2 value established by the new European directive, which will become mandatory from 2030.
The only notable exception is Escola Sadako, located in Vallcarca i els Penitents, an area with less traffic and building density, which recorded a concentration of 11.9 µg/m³ of NO2. The study analyzed 15 schools located in various city districts, such as Sarrià – Sant Gervasi, the upper area of Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó, Eixample Dret, Eixample Esquerra, Sant Martí, and Nou Barris.
Most of these centers are situated on main traffic arteries, which function as urban highways, or in surrounding areas. Nine of the 15 schools recorded values above 25 µg/m³ of NO2. The pollution ranking is topped by Escola Sagrat Cor Diputació (35.4 µg/m³), Escola Fort Pienc (35.1 µg/m³), and Escola MDP Bailèn (34.8 µg/m³).
“"This campaign has shown that pollution in school environments affects many municipalities throughout Catalonia. And this is the air our children are breathing."
The problem is not limited to Barcelona. The study also reveals that 95.2% of Catalan schools exceed the limit recommended by the WHO. Of the 147 educational centers analyzed in 28 municipalities, only seven comply with WHO recommendations, and 90 exceed the limit of the new European directive. The average NO2 recorded in these centers is 21.9 µg/m³. Additionally, exceedances of currently enforceable legal values (40 µg/m³) were detected in Sabadell.
