National PTA Resolutions and Position Statements

Resolution
Protection of Children from Harmful Effects of Aircraft Emissions
1999

• Whereas, aircraft operating at or near airports emit substantial volumes of harmful substances; and
• Whereas, Children are especially vulnerable to serious health risks as a result of exposure to harmful and/or toxic substances; and
• Whereas, aircraft traffic is expected to increase in the future, thus increasing health risks to children, particularly those who live and/or attend schools near busy airports; and
• Whereas, many harmful aircraft emissions are not effectively covered under existing environmental law; now therefore be it
• Resolved, that National PTA and its constituent bodies encourage additional study to determine more precisely the extent to which children in the United States or under its authority may be subject to health risks as a result of exposure to toxic aircraft emissions; and be if further
• Resolved, that National PTA and its constituent bodies support the efforts of the appropriate agencies to take remedial steps to ensure the protection of children from the harmful effects of toxic emissions from aircraft; and be it further
• Resolved, that National PTA support legislation that requires airports where harmful aircraft emissions are concentrated, to be subjected to the reporting requirements and restrictions of relevant environmental laws with respect to aircraft emissions.