ML070160657
| ML070160657 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Vermont Yankee  |
| Issue date: | 09/30/1998 |
| From: | State of VT, Agency of Natural Resources, State of VT, Dept of Environmental Conservation |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| jmm7 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML070160657 (2) | |
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How Much of Vermonts Air How Much Air Pollution Does an What are the Health and Pollution Comes From Motor Average Motor Vehicle Emit? Environmental Effects of Motor Vehicles? The average Vermont driver puts 17,000 miles a year Vehicle Emissions?
on his/her car. This equals 935 pounds of carbon monox-Motor vehicles are the largest source of toxic and ide, 13,600 pounds of carbon dioxide, 114 pounds of Because motor vehicles are so common and so widely carcinogenic air pollutants in Vermont. Each year, motor hydrocarbons, and 68 pounds of nitrogen oxides emitted used, humans are continuously exposed to air pollution vehicles emit about 2 million pounds of toxic and car- every year. Thats nearly 7.5 tons of air pollution each from motor vehicles.
cinogenic compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and year, from just one vehicle!
1,3-Butadiene.
Motor vehicles are the largest source (about 65%) of ozone-forming pollutants in Vermont. Each year vehicles emit over:
- 234 million pounds of carbon monoxide,
- 20 million pounds of hydro-carbons,
- and 28 million pounds of nitrogen oxides.
As industries have reduced their emissions, motor vehicles have become an increasing portion of the air We all breath air, all day, every day.
pollution created in Vermont.
A vehicle with a malfunctioning or faulty emission control system can emit over 800% more air pollu-tion than a properly operating vehicle! Toxic and carcinogenic air pollutants from motor vehicles are of concern because they are known or sus-Sources of Ozone Forming pected of causing cancer in humans, and pose a threat Pollutants even at very low levels.
Other Sources Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from motor vehi-cles form smog (ground-level ozone), which damages 35% lung tissue and aggravates respiratory disease.
65%
Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to smog. According to the American Lung Association of Motor Vehicles Vermont, nearly 200,000 children and elderly Vermon-ters are frequently exposed to unhealthy levels of smog.
Smog from motor vehicles inhibits plant growth and can cause widespread damage to crops and forests.
The number of vehicles and the miles they travel are increasing. Motor vehicles now travel over 6 billion miles Air pollution from motor vehicles contributes to the annually in Vermont, double the amount traveled in 1972.
formation of acid rain and global warming.
Air Pollution Control What Can Be Done to Reduce Doing your part In Vermont Motor Vehicle Emissions?
If you have to drive, these simple rules will help you ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION minimize emissions:
The most effective way to reduce emissions from motor vehicles is to use them less. The trend of more cars driving more miles is starting to outpace the progress in vehicle emission control technology. Carpool, take a bus
- Keep tires inflated to required pressure and front end aligned. Air Pollution from Motor or train, ride a bike, walk- every effort helps.
- Follow manufacturers maintenance schedule - espe-cially regarding tune ups and oil changes.
MAINTENANCE Proper maintenance of motor vehi-cles is critical to pollution prevention. Following mainte-
- Drive sensibly. Avoid jack rabbit starts and stops.
Vehicles in nance guidelines can reduce vehicle emissions and en-hance vehicle performance and reliability.
- Warm up your car - even in cold weather - by driving it. Idling for long periods in cold weather can actually Vermont INSPECTIONS A well designed vehicle emissions damage your engine.
inspection and maintenance program is a practical and cost-effective way to reduce air pollution from vehicles
- Dont let your car idle unnecessarily (30 seconds or currently in use. less). Avoid drive up service windows!
CLEAN CARS Advances in vehicle emission con-
- Avoid high speeds. You will get 15% better mileage trol technology are making it possible to produce new driving 55 mph versus 65 mph.
vehicles with lower emissions. Electric vehicles, some-times referred to as zero-emission vehicles, are gaining Higher emissions means lower engine efficiency and lower attention as an option for improving air quality. miles per gallon, which costs you $$$.
CLEAN FUELS New fuel blends and alternative fuels have the potential to produce less air pollution and Thank you for your cooperation and greenhouse gases than conventional fuels.
helping do your part to clean up the air.
For more information call the Air Pollution Control Division at (802) 241-3840 State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation Air Pollution Control Division Mobile Sources Section 103 South main Street Waterbury, VT 05671-0402 Visit our website at: Your Car and Clean Air www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/air Carpool!
9/98 Printed on Recycled Paper