Children living in the Houston-Galveston area are breathing possibly the worst air in the United States. Asthma and cancer rates for children in most Westernized countries have risen over the last several decades, an increase that most researchers attribute to pollution. Despite the region’s exceptionally high levels of ozone and known or suspected carcinogens, few, if any, studies are being conducted here to understand the health impact of air pollution on children. And little is being done to substantially reduce the amount of pollution being released from chemical plants and refineries or heavy motor traffic.

About 78,000 children in the Houston area attend school within two miles of a refinery or chemical plant. Many children, especially those in low-income families, live near a freeway and/or an industry or local business that regularly emits toxins into the air.

High ozone days get the most attention, but particles small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and toxins released from industry along the Ship Channel and from heavy traffic permeate outdoor air and can infiltrate indoor spaces. This air pollution can have a subtle and significant impact on children’s health even on low ozone days. Add to the toxic outdoor air, contaminated food and water and pesticides and toxins found in many homes, and you have a big dose of poison for small bodies.
[link to www.cleanhouston.org]