Many Schools Close to Air Pollution

(August 19, 2008) - Recess is usually a time for kids to get out and enjoy the fresh air, but a new study says that for many the air isn't very fresh. One in three U.S. public schools are in the "air pollution danger zone," according to new research.

Researchers have found that more than 30 percent of American public schools are within 400 meters, or a quarter mile, of major highways that consistently serve as main truck and traffic routes.

Research has shown that proximity to major highways - and thus environmental pollutants, such as aerosolizing diesel exhaust particles - can leave school-age children more susceptible to respiratory diseases (Read about "Respiratory System") later in life.

"This is a major public health concern that should be given serious consideration in future urban development, transportation planning and environmental policies," says Sergey Grinshpun, PhD, principal investigator of the study.

To protect the health of young children with developing lungs, he says new schools should be built further from major highways.

"Health risk can be mitigated through proper urban planning, but that doesn't erase the immediate risk to school-age children attending schools that are too close to highways right now," he adds. "Existing schools should be retrofitted with air filtration systems that will reduce students' exposure to traffic pollutants."

The study appears in the Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. This is believed to be the first national study of school proximity and health risks associated with major roadways.

Past research on highway-related air pollution exposure has focused on residences located close to major roads. Grinshpun points out, however, that school-age children spend more than 30 percent of their day on school grounds - in classrooms, after-school care or extracurricular activities.

"For many years, our focus has been on homes when it comes to air pollution. School attendance may result in a large dose of inhaled traffic pollutants that - until now - have been completely overlooked," he adds.