Determining Diesel Education in Urban Middle Schools in Eastern Massachusetts

Previously conducted studies have illuminated evidence that diesel exhaust emission rates are rising in the United States. Rising diesel exhaust emission rates bring more than a higher concentration of particulate matter in the air. Health complications from breathing in the particles of diesel exhaust place all citizens at risk. However, not everyone is equally at risk. Evidence has suggested children are particularly vulnerable to encountering health obstacles that can be caused by inhaling, these particles. This is due to a smaller lung capacity which requires children to breathe more frequently, their cardiovascular and respiratory systems still being in the developmental stages, and their frequent exposure to the air outdoors and diesel engines. Research suggests that children are more susceptible to asthma and other cardiac and respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to diesel particulate. This raises the question: are children learning about the health impact of particulate matter from diesel emission? To determine this, the following sources were examined to explore how youth are being educated about this major health threat: • curricula of grades six to eight in urban areas in eastern Massachusetts, • curricula of other districts in the United States • organizations that provide information about diesel exhaust emissions, air pollution, and the impact they have on human health Research Question Do curriculum frameworks available online of the specified urban middle schools in eastern Massachusetts contain content for middle school age students about diesel exhaust DETERMINING DIESEL EDUCATION 3 emissions, air pollution, and/or the effect diesel exhaust emissions/air pollution have on human health? If not, what other organizations/institutions in the United States address these topics?