I’m concerned about air quality issues around the Franklin Regional school complex in Murrysville, located just steps from my home.

The complex’s proximity to so much air pollution from the vehicles on adjacent roads and nearby Route 22 could profoundly harm children at the school.

According to scientists at Stanford University, “air pollution causes changes in the immune and cardiovascular system associated not only with asthma and respiratory diseases, but can actually change the regulation and expression of children’s genes and perhaps alter blood pressure, potentially laying the foundation for increased risk of disease later in life.”

While I’ve developed respiratory issues these last few years from the nearby pollution, it’s children who really are affected. Children and teens face special risks from air pollution: Their lungs are growing, they’re active and they’re often outdoors, and consequently they inhale more polluted outdoor air than adults typically do.

I’m always shocked to see children at the complex playing right next to a line of idling vehicles on Old William Penn Highway, where motorists are waiting their turn at the four-way stop.

A hike in toll prices on the Pennsylvania Turnpike has meant that more motorists, including tractor-trailer drivers, are using non-toll roads like the very busy Route 22.

Also affected by the area’s traffic pollution are the many joggers and bicyclists on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail.

The air pollution in Murrysville is an issue that deserves attention.

Mary Hicks

Murrysville

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