Diesel Fumes
While diesel trucks that transport goods from here to there are an itegral part of our economy, they do wonders for lowering the air quality in neighborhoods adjacent to their truck routes. West Berkeley is certainly prone to more diesel particulates than other parts of Berkeley. Hence, higher asthma rates. Read about how diesel fumes are affecting communities around the east bay in the 11.17.06 Daily Planet. If you interested in more stats, check out the 2004 study by Oakland/Berkeley Asthma Coalition. Or for more general info, visit the east bay chapter of the American Lung Association.