Exhaust from busy roads near schools could affect children

SALT LAKE CITY — A study from the University of Utah found that students who attend school near busy roads are at a higher risk of being adversely affected by auto exhaust, according to the Deseret News.

According to the story, the children most likely to attend these schools come from low-income families, and 19 percent of school-aged children attend school within 1,600 feet of roads where vehicles travel 31 miles per hour (MPH) or higher.

Students spend about 30 percent of their time in the classroom on an average school day, but also spend a significant amount of time outside for recess, walking to and from school and other activities, the story stated.

According to the story, the study will be presented at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency''s (EPA) first conference on environmental justice.

Other states have examined this issue and, in 2003, California prohibited the building of schools within 500 feet of a busy highway, the story added.