Claremont Colleges (So. California)
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Claremont Colleges (So. California)
August 2011
My daughter, a high school senior, is very interested in
applying to one of the Claremont Colleges. However, I am
concerned because she has Asthma (mild) and I believe that area
of Southern Cal. has had air pollution issues in the past. If
anyone has experience with this, we would greatly appreciate
hearing about it. Also, I heard that air quality has been
improving in the L.A. area. Does anyone know for a fact if this
is true? Any input would be a great help to us, as we evaluate
whether attending school in Claremont would be putting my
daughter's health at risk. Many thanks!
nl
Air quality at the Claremont Colleges is poor during the late spring,
summer, and early fall months. It is fine the rest of the year. If her
asthma is really really bad, then maybe Claremont is not for her. One of the
reasons I didn't go to UC Riverside for graduate school (not the Claremont
Colleges but in the same geographic area) was because the smog was so bad
that I could barely see the sky. However, my decision was made partly by the
fact that my fellowship would have required me to work year round and I
would not have been able to leave for five years.
Since your daughter will be an undergraduate, she will not be at the college
during the summer months when the smog is at its worst. So it may not be
that much of a problem.
Anon
My son has been at Pomona for the past 2 years. He has no allergies
or asthma. However, he has said that the air in LA is definitely
worse than in Claremont and Claremont is OK. I checked with 2 other
parents of students there (neither of whom have asthma but one has
other airborne allergies) and their students both said, ''No
problem''. Also they all agreed that they did not know anyone there
who was having a problem with it. Personally, I have made trips there
for 2 years in Aug., Dec., late Jan., mid-Feb., early May and I have
been pleasantly surprised to find it quite good. I am a pretty
sensitive person and am OK with it. Hope this is helpful.
Mom of Pomona Junior
I can't speak to the air quality, but if your daughter only has mild asthma
and she has an asthma plan, this isn't something I would worry a lot about.
Talk to your doctor. Is she on daily inhaled steroids? My non-doctor guess
is that this will be sufficient. I have moderate asthma and would not worry
about this, even though I've moved to an area with more air pollution.
breathing fine
Outdoor air pollution like smog is bad for your health, but indoor air
pollution can be far worse. New carpet in the dorm room or a roommate who
wears perfume is going to be a bigger deal than smog. I would suggest that
you reduce the use of all fragranced products and air fresheners and not
worry about what goes on outside. Maybe get a houseplant to clean the air.
anon
I think you may just have to have your child visit before deciding
and see how they deal with the air.
My daughter went to visits at many California schools. She couldn't
stop sneezing the whole time she was on tour at UC Davis and at UC
Santa Barbara so obviously something was triggering her generally
seasonal only allergies and she chose not to consider those schools
for that reason alone.
My brother in law never had allergies or asthma and after moving to
LA, developed medication dependent asthma.
She may have no issues, she may react to something else there so
likely best for her to visit before deciding.
xx
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