600 schoolchildren are to be involved in a project to assess air quality and its impact on children in various localities.

The project, a collaboration with Italy, was announced today by Health Minister Joseph Cassar.

He said this would be the first study of its kind on air quality and its effect  on respiratory health

"We want to know the what, where and how" of air quality as it impacts respiratory health, the minister said.

The children will be interviewed and also tested at Mater Dei. The air quality in their schools and homes will also be tested.

The study kicks off in various schools in Hamrun in the coming weeks.

Dr Martin Balzan, from the respiratory department at Mater Dei, said Malta had a high incidence of respiratory illnesses and it was important to continue to study what was causing them. 

A similar survey will be carried out in Gela and notes will then be compared.

The project, which in Malta will cost 345,000 euros, is being part financed by the EU.