Children in Urban Child Care Centres Near Busy Roads Face Pollution Risks
Children going to child care centres near busy urban roads are exposed to
intense traffic pollution that may cause respiratory problems such as asthma
and allergies.
The study done in inner-city of Melbourne identified 278
inner-suburban childcare centres, 10,4% were within 60 metres of a major road,
defined by the researchers as having a daily load of 20,000 vehicles.
The researchers have recommended policy makers to adopt certain
strategies to minimise child exposure to pollution.
-Appropriate “buffer zones” between busy roads and childcare
centres
-Indoor ventilation and filtration
-Vehicle anti-idling and idle reduction policies
-Roadside barriers
-Designing outdoor play-areas away from traffic-related air pollution flow
movements
-Play-time structured to avoid peak traffic hours
-Encouragement of active transportation, such as walking and bike riding.
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