An exposure assessment of PM10 from a major highway interchange: are children in nearby schools at risk?

In urban areas, elementary schools may be in close proximity to major roadways. Major roadways have been shown to be a significant source of particulate (PM10) air pollution. In several recent studies, particulate air pollution has been demonstrated to be an important factor associated with negative respiratory health effects, especially in minority children. In response to community concerns, during April 2000 the Office of Environmental Health and Safety of the Los Angeles Unified School District conducted an exposure assessment study in the East Los Angeles area, a region populated predominantly by ethnic minorities (predominantly Hispanic). The purpose of this study was to determine if children attending some of these schools are exposed to PM10 at sufficient levels to cause negative respiratory health effects. Results of this study show that students in close proximity to major roadways receive a dose of PM10 at levels approaching 10-15 micrograms per cubic meter, an exposure predicted to cause negative health effects.