More info from the 17 June 2004 column
The Lexington Green (17 June 2004)
Summer is coming, and so is the smog
Summer is soon upon us: time for swimming, eating ice cream, and–we hate to say it–time for our worst air quality days. These are days when our region fails to meet air quality standards set by the EPA. Ozone, otherwise known as smog, reaches unsafe levels on these days, which is particularly dangerous to children, elderly citizens, and those with asthma—an increasing number of people every year.
Summer air quality
Ozone is produced when sunlight reacts with products of fossil fuel combustion—chemicals produced by power plants, cars, trucks, and buses. Ozone production peaks during the warmest months of the year because the higher the sun is in the sky and the warmer the temperature, the faster ozone-producing chemicals accumulate.
Reducing ozone
Since cars and trucks are a major source of these pollutants, we can all help by cutting back on how much we drive, of course, but the simplest step in cutting emissions may not be immediately obvious: don’t unnecessarily leave your truck or car idling. Not only is this a very important measure you can take, but it also happens to be against state law to leave a truck, bus, or car idling for more than five minutes. (Chapter 90 of the General Laws of MA Section 16A). We are probably all guilty of sitting in a parking lot or double parking, running the air conditioner and listening to the radio, not thinking about the fumes being emitted from our vehicles and the people breathing these toxic pollutants. In addition to the health impacts, it just doesn’t make economic sense to run your engine unnecessarily particularly with the cost of fuel these days. So, here are some things to keep in mind when you are tempted to let your car idle:
- Park in the shade and open your windows.
- Park the car and sit in a nearby air-conditioned café or store
- Encourage fellow residents and truck/bus drivers to turn off their engines in the interest of improving air quality, especially for the children, elderly and others with health issues.
Worst offenders are trucks and buses
In terms of smog emitting pollutants, trucks and buses (including school buses) running on diesel fuel cause the most problems when they are left idling. Unfortunately, they are also the most likely to be left idling. Diesel exhaust contains significant levels of small particles (known as fine particulate matter) that pose serious health risks. Exposure to fine particles can aggravate asthma, cause lung damage and even result in premature death. In the case of school buses, children can be exposed to harmful diesel emissions and are particularly vulnerable because they breathe 50% more air per pound of bodyweight than adults. While school buses are one of the safest ways for children to get to and from school, research has shown that children riding on school buses are exposed to high levels of diesel exhaust. These same concerns apply to tour buses and trucks, which, when idling in the Lexington Center area, create an unhealthy environment for families, residents and tourists.
Less idling saves money
By reducing the amount of time that diesel vehicles idle, the owners can use less fuel, save money, and help clean the air. Large diesel vehicles can burn up to a gallon of diesel fuel for each hour that they idle. School bus fleets can save thousands of dollars a year by cutting their idling by only a half hour a day. Instead of idling, vehicle owners can purchase small generators or auxiliary power units specifically designed for trucks and buses that provide heat, air conditioning, and/or power while a vehicle is not in motion. These devices substantially reduce the fuel consumed and emissions generated during long-duration idling. Depending on the amount of time idling each year, the cost of these “block heaters” has a payback period of between one to two years.
Here in Lexington, in recognition of the importance of this issue, a resolution was adopted by this year’s town meeting as Article 40 encouraging the town to enforce the state anti-idling law. This resolution is intended to increase local awareness of this state law and the harmful effects of idling vehicles.
For more information about environmental and economic benefits of anti-idling, visit the following websites: www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/antiidling.htm#save and www.epa.gov/NE/eco/diesel/idling.html
You can also check daily air quality index, including ozone safety levels, at www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=mg2utilities&L=1&sid=massgov2&U=airquality_ozone
For more information on Sustainable Lexington, or if you are interested in joining our group, please visit our website at www.geocities.com/SustainableLexington or email us at SustainableLexington@yahoo.com.