Today’s another Ozone Action Day in the Burgh. What does that mean? It means that there is a high level of ground level ozone in the atmosphere. This is caused primarily by a combination of atmospheric inversion and too many people driving. What can we do about it? Drive less!
Automobiles and Ozone:
Automobiles create more polluted air than any other source. Although technology has significantly reduced auto emissions, dramatic increases in the number of vehicle miles traveled has overwhelmed the advances.
Automobile emissions occur in three stages:
1. Cold Starts: This state lasts only one to two minutes after starting the engine. Fifty percent of ozone forming emissions occur during the first one or two minutes after starting. Therefore, reducing the number of trips you take is often more important than reducing the distance you travel. Replace short 1-2 mile trips with walking and biking!
2. Running Exhaust: Running emissions occur after the engine has warmed up. Emissions per mile traveled are higher when moving in congested traffic. However, running emissions are usually responsible for well under half of all emissions during a trip.
3. Hot Soak: This is the cool down period after a trip is over. Gas still in the carburetor and the fuel system boils off after the engine is turned off.
What can we do?
* Drive Less. Combine trips, walk, bike, share a ride, or use public transit.
* Drive Carefully: Avoid excess idling, accelerate slowly.
* Refuel Thoughtfully: Refuel after 7 p.m. Don’t top off the gas tank.
* Keep Your Auto Well-Maintained: Have your engine and emissions control equipment inspected annually, keep your auto tuned-up, and the tires properly inflated.
NEWSLETTER