Letter to the editor: Franklin Regional should install air pollution monitors

To the editor:

I am again expressing concern about high levels of air pollution around the Franklin Regional school complex in Murrysville.

The air quality monitor outside at my home, mere steps from the complex, often shows high levels of air pollution far exceeding the EPA’s “safe” levels of exposure.

Air pollution most severely affects people living, working or going to school within 1,500 feet of the source. Alarmingly, I believe carcinogenic diesel particulates are part of the pollution ingested by Franklin Regional students.

I’m shocked by the number of diesel tractor-trailers using Old William Penn Highway, especially by the school complex, and I am calling on the municipality to limit diesel tractor-trailers around schools. Most businesses on Old William Penn can be accessed by one of the Route 22 connector roads.

The Sloan Elementary school project will help limit younger students’ exposure to dangerous air pollution. However, it also means higher levels of air pollution on the roads leading to the larger, busier Sloan complex.

I am also calling on the Franklin Regional school board to install air quality monitors linked to a publicly accessible website.

Without steps to address air pollution around the Franklin Regional schools, I would reconsider living here for those with school-age children, especially middle and high school students.

If Murrysville’s air pollution is making me this unwell, it’s also affecting your children’s and grandchildren’s health.

Mary Hicks

Murrysville