* Air Pollution Around Schools and Student Health and Performance

This May 2011 study from the University of Michigan confirms the impact of air pollution on young students:

Air Pollution Around Schools Is Linked To Poorer Student Health And Academic Performance

Paul Mohai, Byoung-Suk Kweon, Sangyun Lee, and Kerry Ard

Health Aff May 2011 vol. 30 no. 5 852-862

Abstract

Exposing children to environmental pollutants during important times of physiological development can lead to long-lasting health problems, dysfunction, and disease. The location of children’s schools can increase their exposure. We examined the extent of air pollution from industrial sources around public schools in Michigan to find out whether air pollution jeopardizes children’s health and academic success. We found that schools located in areas with the highest air pollution levels had the lowest attendance rates—a potential indicator of poor health—and the highest proportions of students who failed to meet state educational testing standards. Michigan and many other states currently do not require officials considering a site for a new school to analyze its environmental quality. Our results show that such requirements are needed. For schools already in existence, we recommend that their environmental quality should be investigated and improved if necessary.

Authors:

Paul Mohai (pmohai@umich.edu) is a professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment and a faculty associate at the Institute for Social Research, both at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor.

Byoung-Suk Kweon is a research investigator at the Institute for Social Research and an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan.

³Sangyun Lee is a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan.

Kerry Ard is a graduate student in sociology and environmental policy at the University of Michigan.

http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/30/5/852.abstract

Our children deserve better than to be exposed to additional air pollutants from a garbage-to-energy gasification incinerator. Read about our local conditions below:

Schools near Proposed ReVenture Gasification Incinerator

West Side Schools Deserve Better Than This