How does air pollution impact the health of residents? The Sierra Club has explained how diesel engines produce particulate air pollution particles known as “PM2.5 ” that get trapped in human lungs and are passed into the bloodstream. When these particles join nitrogen oxides also produced by diesel engines, they can cause ozone air pollution. This mix of pollutants becomes massive when an area has alot of diesel truck traffic. This air pollution is dangerous for residents including infants, children, elderly, those with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease. Exposure can create substanial risk of premature death.
In Edison recently the Mayor listened to residents and stopped a massive warehouse based on public health concerns.