SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement in connection with a news release [http://www.oehha.ca.gov/public_info/facts/trafkids.html] (Outside Source) sent out by the California Environmental Protection Agency about a possible link between air pollution from traffic near schools and children's respiratory symptoms. The news release mentions two studies that found about 150,000 students statewide or 2.5 percent of the student population in schools close to major roads, had moderately higher rates of asthma and bronchitis symptoms than other students in the sample:

"I am committed to providing students with safe and decent school facilities," said O'Connell. "We had been aware of the health risks that were detailed in the studies. Since last March, my staff at the California Department of Education has been enforcing the laws that require school districts to analyze and address air quality for proposed sites next to freeways and major traffic corridors before obtaining site approval from the Department. In addition, school districts are required to certify that any modernization or new construction to existing school sites will not create or worsen any significant safety hazard, including exposure to air pollution. This is a very important issue because if kids aren't feeling their best, they can't learn effectively. So I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure schools have healthy environments."

These requirements are in compliance with Senate Bill 352 that was signed into law in 2003. For more information on this law, please see a letter the California Department of Education sent to county and district superintendents on March 11, 2004 at Senate Bill 352 - School Facility.