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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