Reduce Exposure to Diesel and Gasoline Exhaust
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Pollution from road traffic and construction equipment are serious health hazards. In 2004, 34% of Oregon adults with current asthma reported that outdoor air pollution like smog and automobile exhaust had affected their health in the past 12 months (Oregon Department of Human Services, 2005). Epidemiological studies have linked exacerbations of asthma with outdoor air pollution levels below current air quality standards (Peden, 2005). Diesel exhaust and many of its components are considered probable human carcinogens (U.S. EPA, 2002). In addition, diesel exhaust is associated with a wide range of health effects beyond cancer and asthma, including neurological effects, a weakened immune system, and cardiovascular disease (U.S. EPA, 2002). To reduce these poor health outcomes, exposure to both diesel and gasoline exhaust should be minimized through public education campaigns and better policies to protect the health of Oregonians.
Recent federal regulations are helping clean up both diesel fuel and diesel engines. However – because diesel engines last for over a million miles and are rebuilt multiple times – it will take approximately 30 years to realize the full benefits of the new EPA rules. For example, half of all bulldozers purchased new in 1995 – before any emission controls for particulate matter in these engines existed – will still be operating without pollution controls in 2024. Therefore, we recommend the following:
- Increase funding to clean diesel initiatives, including funding for retrofits. Legislation passed during the 2007 Oregon legislative session will provide some state funding to help retrofit, rebuild, or replace older diesel engines. Unfortunately, this will only address a small fraction part of the problem. Further action and funding is necessary to reduce diesel emissions from construction and railway equipment, and to ensure that all vehicles are using the best available technology for emission control. In addition, we need to invest in mass transit and provide incentives to encourage Oregonians to take positive steps to reduce their vehicle emissions.