Propane Powers Student Health

Georgia State University’s 8-year study confirms that diesel fumes affect student test scores.
Georgia schools are choosing propane-powered school buses to improve student health and safety.

Propane-Powered School Buses

Georgia State University published a study showing students score better when exposed to fewer diesel toxins. Cleaner air leads to better academic performance.

Researchers looked at test scores from Georgia school districts. Some districts retrofitted more than 2,600 buses with diesel exhaust-scrubbing systems. Others did not upgrade.
 
“Students do better on English tests if they have cleaner air,” said Daniel Kreisman, an assistant professor of economics who co-authored the study.
 
The diesel exhaust system upgrades cost $5,000 to $10,000. Kreisman and his team say that’s a small price compared to the long-term benefits of better student performance.

Since the study, more school districts have moved away from diesel. Many are replacing old buses with propane-powered models.

Propane vehicles release fewer harmful pollutants than diesel or gas engines. They are quieter, cleaner, and safer for students.

According to Sara Adar, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan, “Kids were less likely to miss school when riding cleaner buses.”

She co-authored a separate study tracking students after schools switched to cleaner buses. “There is new evidence that exhaust particles can get into the brain,” she said. “We should get those older, dirtier buses off the road.”

Health is now a bigger priority for schools. But the main reason many choose propane buses is cost. Propane buses are cheaper to run, with lower fuel costs, fewer parts, and less maintenance.

Millions of dollars in funding are available to support the switch to alternative fuels like propane. The Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA) offers up to $5,000 to help schools convert their fleets. Learn more at OhioAutogas.com