Toxic Traffic: Reducing the Risk Forum May 3, 2009

Toxic Traffic: Reducing the Risks

Sunday, May 03, 2009 | 7:00 pm

Scientists have known for a long time that motor vehicles emit pollution that affects the environment and can harm human health. More recently, studies have shown that long-term effects of breathing in ozone, diesel fumes, and other ultrafine particles from motor vehicles can trigger asthma and significantly increase the risks of cardiac and lung disease.

What options should local policymakers consider to protect populations from these health risks? What considerations should human health play in the future of urban and roadway planning, and what impacts might these actions have upon traffic patterns, building regulations, and the economy?

Join us for a forum presented in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Health Department. Get the facts about the risks of cardiac and respiratory disease from motor vehicle pollution, listen to the perspectives of others, and consider some options that local officials might take to reduce health threats to both to the general public and to the populations who are most at risk.

Forums are designed to be welcoming and inviting for all. No previous experience or familiarity with the topic is expected or required.

Speakers include:

Doug Brugge, professor of public health and family medicine, Tufts University,

Robin Chase, Founder of Zipcar and GoLoco and one of TIME's "Most Influential People in the World", and

Sam Lipson, director of environmental health, Cambridge Public Health Department.

Admission: Free. Space is limited; advance registration is required. Registration is available at http://survey.mos.org/public_survey/Checkbox/Survey.aspx?s=6b769fa1cf0a41e991b62c4a2cbeefe9

For more information please call 617-589-4250 or email [email protected].

This program is free thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

Official Website: http://www.mos.org/events_activities/forum&d=3135