AKRON – The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation recognizes the importance of protecting the environment and the health of its students, staff and the community, according to a press release provided.
For these reasons, the TVSC is implementing an “anti-idling” policy for school buses and vehicles in student pick-up and drop-off areas, effective immediately.
Vehicle exhaust contains fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, is a mixture of microscopic particles and liquid droplets so small they often get by the body’s defense system and settle in the lungs.
Fine particulate matter is 28 times smaller than the width of a single human hair. Particle pollution can cause both short-term and long-term health problems, ranging from bronchitis and asthma to lung cancer and heart problems. Children are more susceptible to the effects of particle pollution because their respiratory systems are still developing.
The anti-idling policy will require minimal changes on the part of school patrons. Parents and guardians are asked to arrive as close to actual pick-up and drop-off times as possible and turn off the vehicle’s engine while waiting.
School buses will be subject to strict guidelines and procedures meant to reduce the fine particulate matter in the air and decrease student exposure.
Anti-idling signage has been posted at all TVSC schools in areas where vehicle idling is prohibited.
