South Lane School District Passes Benzene Reduction Plan

News Release from: South Lane School District
May 9th, 2008 5:20 PM

The South Lane School Board adopted a Benzene Reduction Plan at their April regular session school board meeting, in an effort to promote and protect the health and well-being of students, staff, and the greater Cottage Grove community.  Benzene is a volatile, colorless gas that is released even when gasoline engines idle and is also released when motorists "top off" their fuel tanks.

Benzene has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Group A - known human carcinogen.  The Lane County Health Advisory Committee has advised and the Board of County Commissioners has unanimously adopted a policy to encourage establishment of no idle zones around public places, and to educate residents regarding the need to reduce idling time and avoid "topping off" at fueling stations.

South Lane Superintendent Krista Parent followed up the board's resolution at the meeting with a letter to all South Lane families on behalf of the board that addresses these two significant health risks of vehicle idling and topping off.  The letter is being distributed in Spring parent newsletters.

Superintendent Parent explains that one of the worst areas for unnecessary idling is at schools, as parents wait to drop off and pick up their children. According to Airwatch Northwest, just one vehicle dropping off and picking up one child at one school puts, on average, about three pounds of pollution into the air each month.  She noted that a general rule to follow is that if you will be idling for more than 30 seconds, it is best to turn your engine off.  Asthma and other respiratory illnesses have been associated with unnecessary idling.

With regard to "topping off" your gas tank when fueling up at the gas station, a simple way to reduce benzene in the air is to say "no" the next time you are asked.  Benzene fumes have been linked to cancers such as leukemia and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and are emitted into the air when gas tanks are topped off and when automobiles idle.  Children are especially at risk for these diseases, as are pregnant women. 

The South Lane School Board appreciates the community's consideration of these issues.