With more than 100,000 Hoosier children in childcare, it is estimated Indiana could reduce emissions by 119 tons each year simply by encouraging parents to turn off vehicles while dropping off and picking up children at daycare.
Smart Schools Don’t Idle program began as a pilot at elementary schools in Marion County, implemented by Improving Kids’ Environment and the City of Indianapolis Knozone program, through a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Today, the “Smart Schools Don’t Idle” program has been implemented statewide and is completely free to participating pre K and K-12 schools.
IKE is interested in enrolling 5-10 schools (K12 included) in Indiana for the 26-27 school year. Interested schools can reach out to Jocelyn Keranen at jkeranen@hecweb.org or via phone at 317.812.1716.
CHILDREN, AIR POLLUTION, AND ASTHMA
According to the World Health Organization, 90% of the world’s children breathe toxic air every day. Over time, air pollution increases the risk of asthma, cancers, impaired lung function, and cognitive effects, limiting children’s ability to learn, play, and thrive. Many of these impacts appear later in life, with some lasting a lifetime.
Air pollution emitted from transportation contributes to smog, and to poor air quality, which has negative impacts on the health and welfare of U.S. citizens. Higher levels of air pollution have been linked to increased school absences, hospital visits, and even premature deaths.
Infants, children and teens as a group are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution, one of the most prevalent triggers of asthma. Over time, air pollution increases the risk of asthma, cancers, impaired lung function, and cognitive effects, limiting children’s ability to learn, play, and thrive.
School Related Asthma Triggers
On school grounds, idling vehicles include school buses, parents waiting to pick up or drop off children from school or other activities, and delivery vehicles. Often, the pickup/drop-off areas are located near fresh air intakes, so the vehicle exhaust is drawn right into classroom areas. Improving air quality in and around the school buildings will make students and teachers feel better and will help reduce one of the key triggers of asthma.
Buses
Exhaust from buses and other diesel-powered vehicles contains particulate matter, including fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the blood stream, posing serious health problems for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory ailments.
Passenger Vehicles
Gasoline powered vehicles produce significantly less fine particulates than diesel-powered vehicles but still produce nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides and other toxic contaminants, such as benzene.
