A study from Barcelona that was published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2016, shows that children in schools with higher traffic-related air pollution had more behavioral issues, and teachers in schools with higher noise levels from traffic noted more ADHD symptoms in their students.
This is another reason why EV school buses, along with other electric transportation such as trucks and cars, will be so beneficial to us. They don’t make pollution, and they are far quieter when operating. The quicker we can transition to electric school buses and transportation, the healthier and better off our children will be (and us too).
The researchers measured elemental carbon, black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide inside and outside the schools, at the same time. They measured noise levels with a decibel monitoring machine at multiple places in a classroom. They assessed student behavior by comparing parents ratings of strengths and difficulties with different emotional, conduct, relationship and social behavior, and activity level. They asked teachers to rate specific ADHD behaviors in their classrooms.
The results of this study clearly show that air pollution and noise from traffic is unhealthy for students, affects their functioning in schools, and affects their mental health.
Our Electrify The School Bus fleet work educates, trains, and provides resources to: school districts, Parent Teacher Association’s and municipalities on the health benefits of all-electric school buses.
We’re advocating for all-electric buses on the road by year 2030 — give $20.30 to show your support!
Read the study in Environmental Health Perspectives here.
12/1/2020
