Reducing School Bus Emissions Through Idle-free School Zones
In some parts of New York City, 25% of school-age children have asthma, more than twice the national rate.Grantee Name
Real World Foundation
Funding Area
Special Projects Fund
Publication Date
May 2008
Grant Amount
$50,000
Grant Date:
January 2006 — March 2008
In some parts of New York City, 25% of school-age children have asthma, more than twice the national rate.
When students have difficulty breathing, they cannot focus on their schoolwork and often miss class time for visits to the school nurse. Vehicle exhaust is a major trigger of asthma problems. The Asthma Free School Zone program raises awareness of the importance of clean air around schools to reduce students’ exposure to asthma triggers.
Outcomes and Lessons Learned
- Asthma Free School Zones conducted an environmental health intervention, training school crossing guards in four New York City police precincts on what asthma is, what to do if a child has an asthma emergency, and the connection between tailpipe emissions and health.
- Project staff conducted three focus groups shortly after the training, which found increases in the crossing guards’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.