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Air Quality -Why be concerned? <br /> Air pollution is a problem for all of us. The average adult breathes over <br /> 3,000 gallons of air every day. Children breathe even more air per pound What Is Carbon <br /> of body weight and are more susceptible to air'pollution. Air pollution NIOIlOX1Cle? <br /> threatens the health of human beings and other living things on our <br /> .planet. While often invisible, pollutants in the air create smog and acid o <br /> rain, cause cancer or other serious health effects, ..diminish the ~ ~ <br /> protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, and contribute to the ~ ~ . ~ <br /> potential for world climate change. <br /> I <br /> Carbon monoxide is a colorless <br /> According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, although air <br /> 'I odorless, poisonous gas formed <br /> quality has greatly improved, vehicles on the road account for at least <br /> j 29% of air pollution emissions nationwide (29% of volatile organic when carbon in fuels is not <br /> ° ° burned completely. It is a <br /> compounds, 34 of nitrogen oxides and 51 /o of carbon. monoxide). byproduct. of highway vehicle <br /> Between 1970 and 1999, the U.S. population grew by 33 During <br /> exhaust, which contributes about <br /> this period, however, the U.S. Department ofTransportationfound that <br /> vehicle miles traveled grew disproportionately by 143%. 60 percent of all CO emissions <br /> nationwide. In cities, automobile <br /> exhaust can. cause as much as <br /> ~ ~ 95 percent of all CO emissions. <br /> r ° C~~wzJ , 5 ` ~'r These emissions can result in <br /> C''"'"" ~ i concentrations of CO <br /> ~ _ h gh , <br /> ` _ _ particularly in local areas with <br /> • Drive less, especially during peak traffic heavy traffic congestion. <br /> periods or hot days. / J <br /> • Use public transportation, walk, or ~ l ~ The health threat from exposure <br /> ~ ride a bike. <br /> ~ to CO is most serious for those <br /> ~ ' Combine your errands into one trip. who suffer from cardiovascular <br /> disease. Healthy individuals are <br /> <br /> ~ Avoid revving or idling engine over 30 seconds. <br /> also affected, but only at higher <br /> • Avoid waiting in long drive-through lines. Turn off your car and go levels of exposure. Exposure to <br /> ~ in. <br /> elevated CO levels is associated <br /> Minimize use of air conditioning if you can. with visual impairment, reduced <br /> i work capacity, reduced manual <br /> • Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks dexterity, poor learning ability, <br /> I'i (especiallyforthesparkplugs). and difficulty in performing <br /> • Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. complex tasks. <br /> • Fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down <br /> on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off' <br /> the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly. _ <br /> - _ <br /> ~ ~ <br /> ~ o <br /> _ ~ <br /> i <br /> <br />