Families emigrating to escape city pollution

Affecting studies

Fiona told Shanghai Daily that students were missing school through colds, fevers and, mostly frequently, coughs.

"Sick leave has greatly affected children's studies. It's hard for teachers to ensure everyone keeps up as some children don't show up in class for a month," Fiona said.

She said some parents insisted on their children wearing masks in the classroom, which is not good for communications, while constant coughing is also a distraction in class.

Some lessons are affected too. In the past month, the class suspended physical education classes because the government said schools could decide themselves whether to have a class depending on air pollution.

"The children are unhappy about not having PE classes. They have no opportunity to use up their energy and a lack of exercise leaves them vulnerable to disease," Fiona said.

Meanwhile, Xiao Zi said Jennifer was happy that her family were preparing to start a new life in Britain.

"She tells other people that ‘I'm going to Britain and the air there is very good."