Recent results from the Children's Health Study show many health impacts from traffic exhaust. Children who live near a major highway are more likely to develop asthma and respiratory diseases, and their lung development may also be stunted.

Living or going to school near a busy road or freeway is linked to:
    -  Increased rates of asthma
    -  Low lung development
    - Exacerbation of asthma, including more doctor and emergency room visits, and
      complications such as bronchitis

 

Recent studies on traffic and health:

7/20/2009 USC-Led Study Finds Link Between Parental Stress, Air Pollution, and Children's Risk for Developing Asthma

2/2/2007 Health effects from car exhaust exposure can last a lifetime

5/5/2006 USC researchers link asthma in children to highway proximity

 

Policy Brief:

Road to an Unhealthy Future for Southern California's Children: Policy Brief on Air Pollution and Health.

 

Presentation:

Healthy Air Quality Solutions for Schools (PDF)

 

For more studies about air pollution and health, visit Press Stories.

Traffic and Health Resources