Clean Air Reports

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Executive Summary

Automobile exhaust accounts for over 30% of air pollution in North Carolina, and is a major health threat, especially for children. Children spend much of their time at schools that typically are located near major roadways. Environmental Defense contracted with Resource Data Inc. of Asheville, N.C., to find out exactly how many schools in North Carolina are near major roadways. Key findings:

· Cars emit pollutants that are hazardous to human health, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon
monoxide and particulate matter.
· Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults.
· Air pollution is worse closer to roads.
· About 50% of North Carolina's public schools are within one-quarter mile of a major
roadway (U.S. highway, N.C. highway or interstate) and most schools are in the counties
with the highest road density.
· Studies show a correlation between school proximity to freeways and asthma occurrence.

North Carolina can take a step toward healthier air by joining 11 other states in adopting the Clean Cars Program, which will reduce the emissions from all types of cars and trucks beyond the federal standards.