Healthy Schools Day
is April 4th, 2019

When it comes to diesel emissions and children’s health…
Does your school get an “A” for action?

  • Diesel emissions can cause cancer and respiratory problems, and are linked to other health effects. Children are more vulnerable to harm.
  • Diesel-powered buses can be an important source of exposure for children.
  • Cleaner bus technologies and a range of low-cost options can reduce exposures for students, staff and communities.

This Healthy Schools Day, let’s take action on diesel emissions to ensure healthier air for our kids.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN DO

 

Learn more about the health effects of diesel emissions and actions to protect children:

WHEN IT COMES TO DIESEL EMISSIONS AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH... DOES YOUR SCHOOL GET AN "A" FOR ACTION? Diesel buses have been delivering our kids to school for decades. But when it comes to the health risks posed by diesel emissions, our children deserve better. Diesel emissions are a known cause of lung cancer and are linked to asthma, heart problems, allergy symptoms and other health concerns. Children can be particularly vulnerable to diesel emissions’ harmful effects. Is your school making the grade on diesel emissions and health? Check the list: FOUR ACTIONS TO REDUCE CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE TO DIESEL BUS EMISSIONS: #1. STOP IDLING Turn the engines off while school buses are waiting in loading zones or near school grounds. #2. AVOID BUS ‘CARAVANNING’ Ensure there is a gap between buses during travel and in loading zones to keep the exhaust of one bus from polluting the cabin air of another. #3. CHANGE THE TIMING OF SCHOOL VENTILATION Help reduce the infiltration of diesel bus and other vehicle emissions into schools by ensuring that high ventilation periods do not occur during busy loading/unloading times or rush hour. #4. UPGRADE AND REPLACE OLD BUSES Emissions from older buses can be improved with pollution control upgrades, and new technology diesel engines offer vastly improved emissions performance. Best of all, replace old diesel vehicles with new buses powered by cleaner energy such as electricity. By shifting from outmoded diesel engines towards a cleaner transportation future, we can show our kids that we care about their health and the sustainability of our planet. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DIESEL AND WHAT YOU CAN DO: visit healthyschoolsday.ca Healthy Schools Day Promoting healthy learning environments for children and youth

2. AVOID BUS ‘CARAVANNING’

Ensure there is a gap between buses during travel and in loading zones to keep the exhaust of one bus from polluting the cabin air of another.

Download 4 ACTIONS mini-poster

3. CHANGE THE TIMING OF SCHOOL VENTILATION

Help reduce the infiltration of diesel bus and other vehicle emissions into schools by ensuring that high ventilation periods do not occur during busy loading/unloading times or rush hour.

Download 4 ACTIONS mini-poster

4. UPGRADE AND REPLACE OLD BUSES

Emissions from older buses can be improved with pollution control upgrades, and new technology diesel engines offer vastly improved emissions performance. Best of all, replace old diesel vehicles with new buses powered by cleaner energy such as electricity.

Download 4 ACTIONS mini-poster