ZERO finds air pollution exceeds WHO limits at all 15 Lisbon schools

Environmental group ZERO measured nitrogen dioxide levels around 15 schools in Lisbon for the first time, finding that none met the WHO's recommended annual average of 10 µg/m³. Nearly all schools also exceeded the EU's 2030 limit of 20 µg/m³, and three surpassed the current legal limit of 40 µg/m³. The study found NO2 concentrations rose directly with the number of traffic lanes at school entrances. ZERO is calling on Lisbon's council and other municipalities to introduce permanent car-free "school streets" and has set up a temporary one outside Colégio Pestalozzi.