vvEPA
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Best Practices for Reducing
Near-Road Pollution
Exposure at Schools
May 2017
www.eDa.aov/schools
— Besl.-?5o^rffpollut?on 	
Nearly 17,000 schools in rural arid urban areas across the U.S. are located
near heavily traveled roads. The U.S. EPA has compiled strategies for
reducing student and school staff exposure to traffic-related air pollution at
schools. Best Practices for Reducing Near-Road Pollution Exposures at
Schools is available for download at www.epa.aov/schools.
Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution in the United States. Motor vehicle pollutant concentrations
tend to be higher closer to the road, with the highest levels generally within the first 500 feet of a roadway.
Exposure to traffic-related air pollution has been linked to a variety of health effects. Children are particularly
sensitive to air pollution.
Several strategies are being used by communities and schools across the country to reduce traffic-related
pollution exposure. EPA has compiled these strategies into a document of Best Practices for Reducing
Near-Road Pollution Exposures at Schools.
This publication can help school communities identify strategies for reducing traffic-related air pollution
exposure at schools, such as:
•	Upgrade filtration systems used in classrooms.
•	Locate air intakes away from pollution sources.
•	Provide training to school staff and students on
indoor air quality and ventilation.
•	Avoid strenuous activities, such as physical education
class and sports, during peak traffic times.
•	Consider improvements to site layout, such as locating
classrooms further from the roadway.
•	Reduce car and bus idling, upgrade bus fleets, and
encourage active transportation like walking and
biking to school.
•	Consider installation of solid and/or vegetative barriers
Exposure at Schools

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