Community Truck Study: District 5
McDougall Street & Farnsworth (October 1 - 24, 2025)
The Trucks Off Our Streets campaign investigated the impact of industrial truck traffic near the Poletown East Neighborhood, revealing alarming findings on a excessive truck volume and unhealthy air quality directly impacting nearby homes, schools, and community spaces. This study stems from significant health and safety concerns related to the incompatible land use at this specific location. The home is placed on a street that is designated for commercial traffic but is situated within a residential area.
Findings
Over 25 days, over 644 trucks passed by residents' homes, demonstrating high truck traffic in the neighborhood.
Average Number of Trucks Per Day: 27
Worst PM 2.5 : 105.17 µg/m³
PM.25 Daily Average: 8.99 µg/m³
Immediate Health Risks
50% of the air quality readings were Moderate or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, which is concerning for neighborhoods with children and elderly residents. During the study, we also observed a close correlation between the number of trucks and air quality on the monitored days.
Air Quality Data (PM2.5 explanation)
What is PM 2.5? PM2.5 are very tiny particles in the air that are small enough to travel deep into your lungs, which can make the air unhealthy to breathe.
EPA Healthy Limit of PM 2.5 is 9.0 µg/m³
Exposure to high levels of truck-related PM2.5 pollution is directly linked to severe health outcomes, including:
Respiratory Illnesses (like Asthma)
Heart Disease
Premature Death
The most vulnerable members of our community are: Children, Seniors, Outdoor Workers, and individuals with existing Respiratory or Heart Conditions.
Take Action Now: Protect Yourself and Advocate for Change
This crisis demands immediate community action to both protect families and push for policy change.
Protect Your Home and Health
Check Daily Air Quality: Sign up for local alerts at justair.app/signup
Monitor Nearby: Get real-time data from local Just Air Monitors at ***if there is just air monitors in area*
Improve Indoor Air: Use Air Purifiers (especially in bedrooms and main living areas).
Limit Exposure: Restrict outdoor activity on days with high pollution alerts.
Advocate for Policy Change
Join the Trucks Off Our Streets campaign to demand:
Safer Truck Routes: Reroute commercial truck traffic away from residential areas, schools, and parks.
Green Buffers: Fund and install tree and vegetation barriers to filter pollution between the freeway/service drive and homes.
Stronger Enforcement: Implement policies limiting truck traffic during peak pollution hours.