"The Weight of the Air" Merced premiere

The Weight of the Air

Through interviews with Merced residents and doctors, our new short documentary argues that the health impacts of air pollution 'tip the scales' against Wal-Mart's proposed distribution center. We're building a movement for clean air, healthy communities and local democracy. Join us!

Discussion panel following the screening with these
Merced community leaders:

* Candice Adam-Medefind, Moms Clean Air Network

* Rev. Dwight Amey

* Cecilia Arredondo, UC Merced student

* Dr. John Holmes, Merced physician

* Lisa Kayser-Grant, Air quality activist

* Dr. Salvador Sandoval, Merced physician


Background
Southeast Merced youth will be among those most affected by the impact of 900 more diesel truck trips per day through their neighborhood.

Three schools are located within a mile of the proposed distribution center: Golden Valley High School, Weaver elementary, and Pioneer elementary. A third elementary school is also proposed about 1/4 mile west of the proposed site, and about 500 feet west of the Campus Parkway.

Children's developing lungs are especially sensitive to pollution from diesel trucks; studies have repeatedly shown that attending school so close to a diesel truck route would cause permanent lung damage in many students. Air pollution is also a public health crisis for the entire Central Valley, where 22% of children have been diagnosed with asthma.