At NB Lung, we are dedicated to ensuring clean air for all residents of our province, especially our children. One pressing issue that demands immediate attention is the transition from diesel-powered to electric school buses. This change is essential for both improving air quality and preventing disease, particularly given the current burdens on our health-care system. We believe family physicians have a pivotal role to play in advocating for this transition.
In New Brunswick, approximately 85,000 children ride school buses daily. Unfortunately, most of these buses are powered by diesel engines, which emit harmful pollutants. Numerous studies in North America have highlighted the health risks associated with exposure to diesel emissions on school buses. NB Lung conducted their own study in partnership with Health Canada, finding that the average in-bus levels of PM2.5 would warrant a mild air quality warning, if those numbers were in ambient air produced by forest fires for example. The health risks from high levels of PM2.5, ground-level ozone, sulfur and other air pollutants include increases in asthma, cancer, heart and lung conditions, anxiety, depression, memory deficits, ADHD, and more. Children are particularly vulnerable to these health risks due to their developing lungs, smaller lung size, and higher respiratory rates. Alarmingly, the level of diesel emissions inside the bus is often higher than outside, compounding the danger.
Health Impacts of Diesel Emissions
Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. These emissions contain nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both of which are harmful to human health. For children, prolonged exposure to these pollutants can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, there is growing evidence linking diesel emissions to cognitive and behavioral issues in children, including ADHD and memory deficits.
The burden on our health-care system is already significant. Preventing disease through measures such as reducing exposure to harmful pollutants is a crucial step in alleviating this burden. By transitioning to electric school buses, we can prevent a range of health issues, thus reducing the strain on medical resources and improving the overall well-being of our community.
Why Electric School Buses?
Electric school buses present a viable and necessary alternative. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means no nitrogen oxides, no particulate matter, and no harmful gases that can affect lung function and overall health. Transitioning to electric buses will significantly reduce the exposure of children to harmful pollutants, leading to healthier outcomes and improved quality of life.
From an environmental perspective, electric school buses are also a crucial step in addressing climate change. Diesel buses contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which drive global warming and its associated impacts. By switching to electric buses, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change, creating a more sustainable future for our children.
NB Lung is co-hosting a capacity building workshop on this topic this fall in Halifax, NS in partnership with the Ecology Action Centre and Conservation Council of New Brunswick. We invite you to attend in person or virtually to learn more about the technology, policy, and advocacy options available. More details will be finalized before the end of the summer and shared online.
Advocacy for Change
The province of New Brunswick has indicated its support for the adoption of electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure in its latest Climate Change Action Plan. This is a positive step, but more action is needed. We must aim for a bold yet achievable target: 100% electric school buses by 2035, aligning with the initiatives of neighboring Prince Edward Island.
As family physicians, your advocacy can make a significant difference. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Visit the New Brunswick Lung Association Website: Our website has a wealth of information and resources on this issue. Visiting our site will provide you with detailed insights and tools to support your advocacy efforts.
- Send a Letter to Your MLA: Use your voice to communicate directly with your Member of the Legislative Assembly. Express your concerns about the health risks of diesel emissions and the benefits of transitioning to electric school buses. Our website provides templates and guidance for writing effective letters.
- Amplify Our Advocacy on Social Media: Share information and updates from NB Lung on your social media platforms. By amplifying our message, you can help raise awareness and build broader public support for the electrification of school buses.
Transitioning to electric school buses is not just an environmental imperative; it is a public health necessity. Preventing disease through cleaner air will help alleviate the current burdens on our health-care system and ensure a healthier future for our children. The children of New Brunswick deserve to travel to school in a safe and healthy environment. By advocating for electric school buses, you can help create a future where clean air and a stable climate are not just aspirations but realities.
Your voice is powerful. Use it to champion the transition to electric school buses and ensure a healthier, cleaner future for all. Visit the NB Lung website today, send a letter to your MLA, and amplify our advocacy on social media. Together, we can make a difference.
Contributed by Melanie Langille, NB Lung President and CEO
