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Children breathe 50 percent
more air per pound of body
weight than adults.
Diesel exhaust ranks among
the air pollutants that EPA
believes pose the greatest
public health risks.
More than 24 million
children in the United States
ride a bus to and from
school every day.
cvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
For more information:
Visit www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit
~or~
www.epa.gov/ne/eco/diesel
or call 734-214-4636
Diesel exhaust from idling school buses can accumulate
on and around the bus and pose a health risk, particularly
to children. When buses idle in the school yard, the
exhaust also can pollute the air inside the school
building and pose a health risk to children throughout
the day. Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung damage
and respiratory problems. Diesel exhaust also exacer-
bates asthma and existing allergies, and long-term ex-
posure is thought to increase the risk of lung cancer.
However, there are some simple steps that schools can take
to reduce idling time and air pollution.
How ARE CHILDREN AFFECTED?
Air pollution from diesel vehicles has health implications for
everyone, but children may be more susceptible to this pollu-
tion because they breathe 50 percent more air per pound of
body weight than do adults. Diesel exhaust contains significant
levels of small particles, known as fine particulate matter. Expo-
sure to particulate matter, especially fine particles, is
associated with increased frequency of childhood illnesses. More
than 24 million children in the United States ride a bus to and
from school every day.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS TO
REDUCE DIESEL POLLUTION
Although every school district is unique, there are a number of
steps that schools can take to reduce the health risks associated
with exposure to diesel exhaust. Here are some actions school
districts should consider:
ESTABLISH IDLING GUIDELINES
When school bus drivers arrive at loading or unloading
areas to drop off or pick up passengers, they should turn
off their buses as soon as possible to eliminate idling time
and reduce harmful emissions. The school bus should not be
restarted until it is ready to depart.
If buses need the engine to run the flashing lights, consider
changing the circuit configurations so that the flashing lights
can be powered by the battery without the engine running.
continued 3
I printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post consumer waste, using vegetable based inks
TEPS YOU
CAN TAKE TO
REDUCE
DIESEL
POLLUTION
O Direct school bus
drivers to turn off
their buses as soon
as they arrive in the
school yard.
Limit idling time of
buses during early
morning warm-up.
© Provide a space insid
the school where bus
drivers can wait.
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At school bus depots, limit the idling time during early morning warm-up to what is
recommended by the manufacturer (generally 3 to 5 minutes). In colder
climates, block heaters can help warm the engine of older vehicles to avoid
starting difficulties and shorten warm-lip time. New vehicles are designed to start
easily at all temperatures without idling.
In the winter, provide a space inside the school where bus drivers who arrive
early can wait.
Follow the anti-idling laws and guidelines that many states have in place.
WORK CLOSELY WITH Bus COMPANIES AND Bus DRIVERS
TO IMPLEMENT THE GUIDELINES
Make sure both the bus company and the bus drivers understand the importance
of the new guidelines.
* Highlight the economic benefit of reduced fuel consumption as a result of less
idling. A typical diesel vehicle burns approximately one gallon of diesel fuel for
each hour it idles. Thus, if a company operates 25- buses and each bus reduces its
idling time by 30 minutes per day, at $1 per gallon of diesel fuel, the
company would save $2,250 per school year in fuel costs.
Inform drivers of the potential risk to their health from breathing diesel exhaust
and the benefits of not idling.
Establish a program to recognize drivers. For example, create buttons that drivers
who pledge to follow the guidelines can wear.
WORK CLOSELY WITH Bus COMPANIES TO RETROFIT
BUSES WITH POLLUTION CONTROLS
Fuel buses with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and install particulate matter filters.
This approach can reduce emissions of particulate matter by more than 90 percent.
Consider retrofitting with catalyst technology if the filter/fuel option is not feasible.
More information about retrofit options is available at www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit.
WORK CLOSELY WITH Bus COMPANIES TO PURCHASE THE
CLEANEST NEW BUSES
EPA is working to reduce diesel pollution from new heavy-duty diesel trucks and
buses by setting more stringent emission standards that will take effect
beginning in 2004. In 2007, new trucks and buses rolling off the assembly lines
will be 95 percent cleaner than today's models.
Consider retrofitting with catalyst technology if the filter/fuel option is not feasible.
Because some buses may meet EPA standards ahead of schedule, ask the
manufacturer before purchasing a new bus to see if you can acquire one that
meets these standards. In addition, many new buses come equipped with devices
that minimize idling and warm-up time.
Idling wastes fuel and
money.
A typical diesel vehicle
burns approximately one
gallon of diesel fuel for
each hour it idles.
The less school buses
idle, the more money
school districts can save.
nii^
?/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA420-F-02-049 September 2002
!) printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of
50% post consumer waste, using vegetable based inks
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