Millions are healthier today thanks to the dedication of environmental activists and the courage of caring legislators from decades past. People and homes near freeways, bus terminals, and heavy traffic areas are also more affected by particulate matter such as diesel exhaust, which recent research shows can be very damaging to health. Though in recent years greater efforts have been made to reduce water pollution in coastal areas, the bays and shores near cities are often polluted from toxic run-off as well as dumping of partially treated sewage. This won't affect you directly unless you swim in it, or eat locally caught fish. Questions should be asked when buying real estate in urban areas.
Suburban areas tend to be less toxic, but appearances can be deceiving.
In the infamous case of Love Canal, a middle-class suburban neighborhood was built on the spot where a chemical company used to dump its waste. Another suburban source of toxins is golf courses. Regardless of whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural environment, you can make a difference in its health. Beyond implementing the basic personal environment solutions available to you, there is an incredibly wide range of opportunities available to wed your talents to your concern for the health of your community. The first step is to become informed about the toxic threats that face you and your family out in the community.