Toxic air “takes a heavy toll on the youngest” and children were more vulnerable “because their airways are smaller and still developing”, Asthma + Lung UK said.
The group’s chief executive, Sarah Sleet, said: “The UK has the worst records for deaths from lung disease in Europe, and it’s no coincidence that we also have one of the highest rates of childhood asthma here too.
“No government would allow people to drink dirty water, so why should the air we breathe be any different?”
Asthma + Lung UK added that only 429 playgrounds in England, based in “extremely rural settings”, complied with air quality targets set out by WHO.
A government spokesperson said ministers were committed to improving air quality and protecting people from pollution.
“That is why we are working at pace to deliver a comprehensive and ambitious Clean Air Strategy to deliver legally binding targets on improving air quality,” they added.
