Pollution from vehicle emissions is especially harmful to children who, because of their size, are closer to the exhaust coming from vehicle tailpipes. They also breathe in an average of 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults do. As a result, their growing bodies and lungs have the ability to take in twice as much pollution as an adult’s.

Over the last year and half, I have asked teachers on bus duty, bus drivers, the head of the bus drivers, and the principal if the county no-idling-for-school-buses recommendation as well as concern for children's health could be observed at this "green school," yet this daily practice continues. As you can see, the set-up of this particular bus loading area creates a true "tunnel of toxins." If you don't believe me, walk down it once and you will see exactly what I mean.

The parents of the children who ride these buses never see this. Am I the only parent who thinks an easy solution (wait until the children are loaded to start the buses) is worth considering?