Is it safe to play? BUS-ted

Why the Concern? EExcessive idling wastes over $100 per year, and generates needless greenhouse emissions EExhaust has over 40 hazardous air pollutants

What is PM 2.5??Well then, what makes it up?!  PM is the symbol for the term Particulate Matter, the fine particles in the air that can affect health less then or equal to 2.5 microns.  PM includes liquids, hydrocarbons, soot, dusts, acids from aerosols, and smoke particles.

 Yes, the EPA limits PM 2.5 to.035 mg/m³ for outdoors, but does not limit indoors.  85% to be exact… Yes I know, shocking. Does the EPA have a specific limit on this stuff?? Don’t we spend like our whole entire day indoors??

We decided to test school buses that pick up middle school students in Whitefish right next to the playground where kids are playing. The bus’ exhaust, we believe, could lead to major health concerns for kids getting on and those who are near.

We set up the DustTrak near the fence to test the air quality near the buses DustTrak Meter

We found that the air quality was much better when the buses were off, higher readings when idling, and highest when actually driving Minimum of.004 mg/m^3 Average of.022 mg/m^3 Maximum of.128 mg/m^3

 Multiple Days of Testing  Longer Testing  Testing Before the Buses Arrive  Testing After the Buses Leave  Testing inside of Buses as well

"Our Work." School Buses, Air Quality & Children's Health. Web. 22 May "Reduce Bus Idling." Reduce Bus Idling. Web. 22 May "School Bus Idling Airborne Toxic Control Measure." School Bus Idling Airborne Toxic Control Measure. Web. 22 May