EPA Funds Research for Health Effects of Roadway Pollution on Children
July 8, 2009 by Justin
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The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday announced a $1.4 million joint study with the University of Michigan on the health effects of air pollution on children living near heavy traffic roadways. Funding for the study comes from the EPA's STAR program - Science to Achieve Results Program.
According to Lek Kadeli, assistant administrator for the Office of Research and Development, “The knowledge gained from this study will arm local governments with the best available science when planning some of their most important projects, such as road and school design. This information will help build safer communities for our children.”
Researchers will study the types of pollutants common near roadways, how people are exposed to them, the extent of exposures, and the types and severity of health effects. According to the EPA, more than 45 million people in the U.S. live within 300 feet of a four-lane road, airport, or railroad.
Other research will include studying traffic-associated pollution in Detroit and it's effect on severe asthma attacks on children ages 6 to 14 as well as the effect of traffic exposure on instances of respiratory viral infections.