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Union gets word out on bus-fuel safety November 4, 2004 When Linda Tarbox started driving a bus 10 years ago, she noticed bouts of bronchitis came on more frequently. "I thought it was just being out in the cold morning air to fuel the bus and then getting in and out all day long," said Tarbox, president of the Newark Valley Cardinal Bus Drivers/School-Related Professionals in the Southern Tier. Five years ago she was trained by her national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers, on the effects of diesel and diesel fumes on bus drivers. She learned strategies on how to lessen the impact — "how to avoid breathing the vapors when you fuel your own bus," she said. She tried them, and her bouts with bronchitis dramatically decreased. "Bus drivers and monitors need to know that what you can't see can hurt you," Tarbox said. Medical impacts range from headaches and nausea to elevated blood pressure, even kidney failure and blood problems. The local gave workers tips to reduce exposure. It negotiated a provision that the district provide neoprene gloves in case fuel splashes onto hands. Tarbox is urging her district to apply for grants to retrofit buses with emissions control equipment. The AFT is letting members know that funds are available from a legal settlement with Toyota Motor Corp. that makes available $20 million to school districts for filters and ultra-low-sulfur fuel. Districts can get up to $750,000 to retrofit school bus fleets. Districts must download an "expression of interest" form and send it in by Nov. 12. For more information, go to www.cleanbusesforkids.com. or call (703) 934-3040. |
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