An average 37,000 to 213,000 vehicles pass through Interstate 710. It is considered the largest infrastructure project in the nation. High levels of air toxins along the 710 have been linked to various health problems. What is the city of Los Angeles doing to reduce emissions and help its citizens?
A story was published by two physicians on KCET about a 12-year-old boy named Jimmy. “He came to see me at a community clinic in southeast Los Angeles after falling at school. While taking his health history, I discovered that he was diagnosed with asthma at age 5. His mother mentioned that Jimmy is unable to play a full game of soccer because of his asthma; and when I listened to his lungs, I noticed poor air movement. Jimmy told me that he suffers frequent asthma attacks, which sometimes causes him to miss school.” According to the Department of Public Health, one in 11 children in Los Angeles County has asthma. African-American children have the highest rates of asthma 25 %. Compared to Hispanic children 8 % and non-Hispanic white children 7 %.
Jimmy lives close to the 710 Freeway, a major transportation corridor for moving goods from the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Air pollution from this freeway is a major contributor to asthma in Southeast Los Angeles; and children are most vulnerable. When Jimmy plays soccer on a field near the freeway, he is forced to inhale the exhaust fumes from the trucks rolling by. Low-income communities similar to where Jimmy lives experience the health impacts of freight. Mostly by breathing diesel exhaust on a daily basis in their own neighborhoods next to highways, ports and rail yards.
A physician took a look at the disease and seeked ways to prevent it. He believed medical professionals needed to work closely with scientists and policymakers to battle pollution. He said, “solutions exist to overhaul today's conventional freight vehicles into a low-carbon transportation system that cleans our air, improves our public health and helps us meet our climate goals.” Los Angeles need to stop worrying about how much money this will cost the economy and start worrying to helping the next generation be as healthy as they can be. Too many times has there been a child diagnosed with asthma. You can't live under these conditions. This needs to stop Los Angeles!
Currently, Californians depend on trucks, trains and ships powered by diesel fuel to deliver food and merchandise. California's freight is the largest ozone-causing emissions and diesel pollution. Movement of freight is also a major contributor to climate change, including emissions of carbon dioxide and black carbon. According to a report released last year by the Union of Concerned Scientists, states “cleaner freight alternatives would reduce emissions well beyond today's cleanest diesel and natural gas trucks. More efficient engines, advanced emission controls and cleaner fuels can make conventionally powered trucks, trains and ships less polluting.” Existing state policies for freight transportation are insufficient to meet upcoming federal air-quality deadlines. An analysis by state and regional air-quality officials shows that California freight needs about a 90 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions including Los Angeles to reach air-quality standards over the next two decades.
“We urge Gov. Brown, the California Air Resources Board, and other state agencies to take all necessary action to transition to a more efficient freight system, one that relies on the cleanest alternatives...For example, planned upgrades to the 710 Freeway could include a mandatory zero-emission freight corridor for heavy-duty trucks.” - Don Anair. Transforming Los Angeles freight system will provide cleaner air, a safer climate, and improved health for all of its communities. When that happens, everyone will breathe easier.
Aguilar, Felix, MD, and Don Anair. "Addressing Health Concerns Over the 710 Freeway Corridor." KCET. N.p., 19 Feb. 2015. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. <http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/710-corridor/addressing-health-concerns-over-the-710-freeway-corridor.html>.
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