<
https://thedriven.io/2026/03/08/you-smell-it-fumes-from-idling-suvs-queuing-at-school-are-killing-our-children/>
"The drop-off and pick-up line has become a cleaner, quieter place at the
primary school Anthony Hull and Fiona Foo send their kids to.
Parents now diligently switch off their combustion engines to prevent harmful
pollutants spewing into the air.
St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Clovelly, in Sydney’s east, has been
actively educating caregivers about the harms of idling near schools.
Dr Hull and Dr Foo, a husband-and-wife team with medical backgrounds,
spearheaded the campaign after becoming distressed by the snaking line of
rumbling vehicles.
“You smell it, and you’re like, ‘Oh, this is just awful’,” Dr Foo tells
AAP.
The World Health Organisation says there is no safe level of air pollution and
99 per cent of the planet’s population are breathing air that exceeds its safe
guidelines.
Having multiple cars idling unnecessarily for long periods of time can create
hotspots of harmful gases and particles.
Children are particularly vulnerable.
Their lungs are still developing, their faces are closer to exhaust fumes and
they breathe in more air relative to body weight than adults.
Brief exposure can worsen asthma, while in the longer term it affects the
development of the lungs, heart and brain.
Medical experts liken leaving a car running around a child to second-hand
cigarette smoke.
The anti-idling project at the Clovelly school started with an audit finding
that roughly 50 per cent of cars remain running while waiting.
Conducted during temperate autumn months, the findings suggest idling can be
habitual rather than a necessity for air conditioners or heaters.
From there, flyers were sent home in bags, a poster competition was held and
education sessions ran during parents and friends meetings.
School principal Anna Novak describes the Idle Off project as a success.
Once made aware of the harms, she says most parents and carers are happy to
switch off their engines or park nearby and walk.
“Some parents bought electric cars as a result,” Ms Novak tells
AAP."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
