The air out there: Traffic, pollution and children’s health
Few would dispute that the air quality in Los Angeles is significantly better than decades past. But for those who live or work beside some of L.A.’s highly trafficked roadways, air pollution is still a major concern. While it’s hard to get away from traffic pollution in Los Angeles, some areas are worse than others, like along the 710 freeway and East LA. Health effects associated with air pollution can range from mild to severe asthma to brain damage. One particular group at risk are children.
KPCC recently did a data project that discovered that there are more than 150 preschools located within 500 feet of highly trafficked roadways in Los Angeles County that the AQMD has deemed the worst air quality in Los Angeles. Do you worry that your child might attend a daycare or preschool too close to a major freeway or roadway? Are you concerned about how the air pollution is affecting your health? Is the air quality getting better or worse in your community? What do you think could help improve air quality?
KPCC’s Early Childhood Development Correspondent Deepa Fernandes will explore these questions with a panel of health experts and community members Sunday, April 24 at the East Los Angeles Library.
Panelists:
Lou Calanche, founder and executive director of Legacy LA
Scott Chan, program director Asian and Pacific Islander Obesity Prevention Alliance
James Gauderman, professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California
Dr. Elisa Nicholas, founder and project director of the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma and pediatrician; CEO of The Children's Clinic: "Serving Children & Their Families"
We would like to thank our engagement partner, Southern California Children’s Environmental Health Center based at USC.