Forum To Focus On Transportation Pollution

Area residents concerned about proposed truck lanes on the 60 freeway are invited to attend The Community Forum on Traffic Pollution and Your Health on Oct. 6.

The event is being hosted by the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. It will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Ave., Paramount.

“It’s a way for people to hear about some of the latest emerging science that shows that traffic related pollution along freeways like 710 and 60, which have a lot of trucks on them, is harmful to one’s health, especially children and the elderly or anyone who is ill,” said Andrea Hricko, director of community outreach and education at the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center.

USC and UCLA scientists will be on hand to share updated research, and panelists have been invited from the Los Angeles County Health Department, South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and more. There will also be an open mic session, where attendees can voice their concerns about air pollution and its health effects. 

Much of the discussion will be on truck traffic that leaves the ports and heads inland. 

“It’s a way for people who live along the 60 to meet other people who live along the 405 and 710 and understand what some of the concerns are about this truck related pollution, going through their communities,” Hricko said.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Carla Truax at ctruax@usc.edu or 323-442-2745 with their name, organization, phone number and e-mail address.

Related Topics: 60 freeway, Trucks, ports, and traffic pollution Will you attend this event?