Campbell School Buses Not a Hazard to Children's Health

Campbell schools do not have aging buses that may expose children to much more harmful pollutants than newer buses emit, according to a new California Watch study.

The report says that diesel buses manufactured before 1990 can emit up to six times more pollutants than newer buses and that children are exposed to those pollutants unless the buses have been equipped with filters that can cost about $18,000.

Campbell Union School District Spokeswoman Marla Sanchez said that the district has 15 school buses, with the oldest being manufactured in 1996.

At Moreland School District, the fleet is made up of mostly pre-1990 buses, with a couple manufactured in 2004 but all were retrofitted this past spring break and summer with emission control devices to reduce the exposure to emissions, district spokeswoman Tanya De La Cruz said. 

Legislation requires that all school buses in California get the filters or be taken out of service by 2018, according to California Watch. The story also said that newer buses have seat belts and more emergency exits.

-Mayra Flores De Marcotte contributed to this article

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