Did You Know?
Important Facts About Air Pollution and Vehicle Emissions
We are not used to thinking of our vehicles as sources of air pollution, especially when compared with smokestack emissions. However, with as many vehicles as people in this country (about 250 million), for most of us, driving a car is probably our most polluting daily activity, and vehicle emissions contribute significantly to health and air pollution problems.
http://ww.epa.gov/epahome/trans.htm
http://lungaction.org/reports/sota07_heffects.html
Emissions from cars and trucks contribute significantly to air pollution by emitting hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide.
http://ww.epa.gov/epahome/trans.htm
http://ww.epa.gov/otaq/invntory/overview/pollutants/index.htm
Hydrocarbons include many volatile air toxics (e.g. benzene, a known carcinogen) which react with nitrogen oxide and sunlight to create ozone or smog. Smog creates breathing difficulties for the young, elderly and any person with respiratory problems.
http://ww.epa.gov/region5/air/naaqs/ozone.htm
Beyond causing cancer, benzene and otherair toxics have been proven to be related to birth defects, neurological and other developmental problems.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which reduces oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues. It especially harms those who suffer from heart and respiratory disease. Unlike many other air pollutants, carbon monoxide levels in outdoor air typically peak during colder months.
http://ww.nsc.org/ehc/mobile/mse_fs.htm
Particulate matter (PM) are tiny microscopic particles that can pass through nasal passages and lodge deeply in the lungs, often exacerbating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) problems. Also PM is conclusively tied to increases in heart attacks, strokes and premature death.
http://ww.airnow.gov/index.cfmaction=jump.jump_particle
Carbon dioxide emissions, while not directly harmful to health, are considered a greenhouse gas. In Martch 2008, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported a scientific consensus to a 90% certainty that excess greenhouse gases from human activity are trapping the earth's heat and contributing to global warming.
The illinois transportation sector accounts for 25% of the total Illinois GHG emissions, equal to the utility sector (25%) , and greater than the industry sector (17.85%). In 2005, almost 60% of the total CO2 emissions from the transportation sector were from motor gasoline.
http://ww.epa.state.il.us/air/climatechange/documents/ (4-3-07 Addendum 1)
Related to air pollution from vehicle emissions is the fact that we have an infrastructure in Naperville that supports a driving lifestyle, much like the rest of the United States. The City of Naperville is proud of its reputation as a great place to live and raise a family. Yet, as reported by the American Lung Association in its 20007 State of the Air Report, Naperville is part of a regional area that is considered among the most polluted for particulate and ozone pollution.
http://lungaction.org/reports/sota07_cities.html
For information on tax credits/rebates for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles:
www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=157632,00.html
www.treasurer.ilgov/programs/cultivate-Illinois/green-rewards.aspx
