About CAFEH
 

Several Boston communities are located near major highways.  Residents of these communities may be exposed to high levels of car and truck exhaust.  This exhaust contains invisible, odorless particles and gasses such as carbon monoxide.  Studies have shown that living near highways is linked with higher rates of heart disease, asthma, and lung cancer.  People living near highways, who breathe in this pollution over a long period of time, may suffer illness and early death as a result.  People who live and work farther away from highways have less health risk. Even blocks away from highways, pollution may still cause health problems. Pollution from highways appears to be of greater concern than pollution from street vehicles.  This could be because of the amount and types of traffic.

Residents of these communities have the right to demand environmental justice.  All families deserve air-quality protection.  Those living near highways should not have to carry a heavier burden of Boston’s pollution or suffer its ill health effects. Rresidents should be aware of the risks of living near highways. This is particularly of concern when the communities are thinking about developing new housing next to the highways. What might be done to reduce exposures in existing housing must be also considered.