Although
they can be seen as lifesavers to busy parents all over the world, school buses
actually present a hidden risk to the children they transport: emissions. This article
is a good reminder that not only are emissions extremely damaging to the
environment, but they are also extremely damaging to our bodies. We have all
seen (or smelled) the black clouds of smoke exhaust billowing out of school
buses, but to imagine your own child breathing that smoke is alarming to say
the least.
A scary but likely little known fact:
“23 to 46 out of every million children that ride the bus between one and two
hours per day stand a higher than average risk of developing lung cancer.” Additionally, parents of
children who have asthma and other breathing-related issues in particular are
warned, as the emissions can be extremely triggering for them.
Because
of school budget restraints, it is unlikely that this harmful method of
transportation will be going away anytime soon; however, even if parents do not
necessarily have to pull their kids just yet, this is a good reminder to be
more aware of the pollutants that our children are exposed to. In addition, the
following useful tips were offered:
-If your child is permitted to open
the window next to their seat, advise them to do so. Exhaust from diesel fuel
is highest inside the bus when all of the windows are closed.
-While it may not be cool to sit at
the front of the bus, fumes are less toxic in the front than they are in the
back of the bus. Children who are picked up first have the longest rides but
also have their choice of seats, providing seats are not assigned. Do your best
to talk your child into sitting near the front.
-If seats are assigned or the bus
driver does not allow windows to be lowered, discuss your concerns with school
or bus company officials and ask that steps be taken to reduce children’s risk
to diesel emissions.
-Sara O’Connell
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