“Diesel pollution is harming Pennsylvania’s children, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, where trucking routes and warehouses are often located dangerously close to homes and schools,” said Brooke Petry, Pennsylvania Field Organizer at Moms Clean Air Force. “It’s important to remember that this pollution doesn’t stay confined to one area — it travels, and so does its impact. Fortunately, we have real solutions within reach. By reducing tailpipe pollution, we can make significant strides toward cleaner air and healthier futures for all of our children. Every child deserves to grow up breathing safe, clean air.”

Frequent exposure to the toxic airborne chemicals in diesel exhaust can worsen or contribute to the development of asthma, cancer, developmental delays, chronic illnesses, and/or poor learning outcomes in children.

“The good news is that there are numerous ways to address the diesel pollution problem,” said Erin Johnson, MPH, Pennsylvania Nurse Organizer at the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. “There are many options for electric and zero emission trucks that are cleaner and safer. If we prioritize the creation of healthier school environments for children by reducing tailpipe pollution, and by improving indoor and outdoor air pollution, we can reduce the burden of illness, foster better learning outcomes, and nurture long-term health. A focus on prevention, with the health of our children in mind is essential for long term health and learning."

Leaders at the school, district, municipal, state and federal levels all have a role to play in creating and implementing policies and solutions to reduce the impact of diesel pollution on children, according to the report. While interventions like air purifiers and enforcement of no-idling rules can help limit exposure to dangerous air pollution, the only way to meaningfully reduce the public health impact of Pennsylvania’s trucking fleet is to promote the adoption of pollution-free zero-emission trucks.

“Electrifying our transportation system is one of the smartest investments we can make in our children’s future,” said Shannon Crooker, Pennsylvania Director at Generation180. “States that are prioritizing clean trucks and buses are seeing real benefits: improved air quality, fewer asthma attacks, and healthier environments for kids. Pennsylvania schools are helping to clear the air by making the transition to electric school buses—a clean, quiet alternative to diesel that eliminates harmful tailpipe pollution.”