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Archived
News
| Poor Air 'harms lungs of unborn' |
June 23, 2004
In a report to be published this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the link between air pollution and lung impairment in foetuses. The WHO identifies particulate matter as the main cause of the damage. The tiny particulates, as small as 10 microns in size, are primarily emitted from vehicle exhaust.
Dr. Roberto Bertollini, the director of the division of health determinates for the WHO, identifies diesel exhaust as "particularly dangerous." Calling on policymakers to act, Bertollini says, "This is an overall issue of transport and mobility which now needs to be addressed urgently."
The full text of this article can be found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3832183.stm
| Tougher Emissions Rules Set for Big Diesel Vehicles |
May 12, 2004
The Bush Administration announced new regulations that aim to reduce emissions from a variety of nonroad vehicles. The targeted vehicles emit more particulate matter than the national fleet of cars, buses and trucks. The regulations require the production of a cleaner diesel fuel by lowering its sulfur content. Engine makers are also asked to manufacture diesel engines with reduced emissions.
Health experts predict the new regulations will cut diesel emissions by 90 percent, preventing as many as 12,000 premature deaths and 15,000 heart attacks every year.
The plan for emissions reductions is expected to require full compliance by 2012.
The full text of this article can be found at: http://sierraactivist.org/article.php?sid=45267
| Air Pollution Linked to Inherited Mutations |
May 13, 2004
Researchers found a link between genetic damage and sooty air pollution. Soot, also known as airborne particulate matter (PM), is tiny enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has already ordered tighter regulations of particulate pollution because of health concerns for the elderly, children and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses. Diesel vehicles are major source of PM.
The new research suggests a potential concern. A study on mice has shown significant genetic mutations from exposure to airborne particulate matter. Dr. Jonathan Samet of Johns Hopkins University notes the implications for risks to future generations. The possibility of offsprings inheriting the genetic damage makes the concern "both a public health issue and an issue for the ecosystem."
The full text of this article can be found at: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4971286/
| Waste Management Inc. Recieves Grant to Retrofit Fleet |
June 07, 2004
The Department of Environmental Protection has awarded a grant to Waste Management Inc. to help decrease air pollution in the Chester County region. The $270,000 grant will be used to retrofit the company's fleet with new diesel technology.
The funding will purchase diesel oxidation catalysts as well as fuel-borne catalysts. Used together the technologies reduce emissions in both the engine and in the exhaust.
Following installation of this technology, diesel vehicles can be at least 80 percent cleaner with little to no visible smoke or odors.
The full text of this article can be found at:
| Plan For New Parking Spaces Aims to Reduce Pollution From Idling Big Rigs |
July 16, 2004
In an effort to reduce air pollution from idling diesel trucks, three Southern states are planning to offer new stops for truckers. The stop spaces will allow truckers to shut off their engines but continue recieving electricity, air conditioning, and Internet access.
The planned 150 spaces will be positioned along Interstate 85 in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Pollution produced by idling diesel trucks significantly contributes to the air quility problems in the I-85 corridor, where several counties are in danger of not meeting new federal air quality standards. "Most truckers let their engines idle at truck stops, even for prolonged stays, so they can use their air conditioners and other accessories," said Myra Reece, head of the air quality bureau for South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control. "Idling truck engines emit a lot of air pollution as well as noise."
Each space will be equipped with a large hose that can be connected to rig windows. Officials say the hose will be able to blow warm and cool air, and the front face of the hose will have several electrical outlets and a touch-screen computer with Internet access.
The full text of this article can be found at:
http://www.enn.com/news/2004-07-16/s_25920.asp
| Scientists Identify Genes That Regulate Allergic Response to Diesel Fumes |
July 06, 2004
Researchers at the National Institute of Health estimate that up to 50 percent of the United States population is at risk for developing health problems related to air pollution. A study on diesel fumes explored the reaction of human antioxidant genes to diesel exhaust particulates. The results showed a significantly greater allergic reaction to diesel particulates in people who lack the GSTM1 gene. The Health Institute estimates that only 50 percent of the United States population carries the gene.
Dr. Diaz-Sanchez, a co-author of the study, hopes to further study the correlation between genetics and diesel air pollution. He states, "Diesel emissions can trigger allergic symptoms, but the genetic factors involved in the process are quite complex." Dr. Sanchez and other researchers will work to find other genes involved in pollution-related health problems such as asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease, with the goal of discovering possible treatments and preventions.
The full text of this article can be found at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/01/040109071729.htm
| Settlement Includes Largest School Bus Pollution Control Project in Country |
July 17, 2004
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice announced a $6 million enforcement settlement with a Boston area power plant. Stemming from a five-year period of air quality violations, plant owner Exelon Mystic LLC has agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty and fund more than $5 million of environmental projects in the Boston area.
EPA's complaints alleged ove4 6,000 violations of the Clean Air Act's opacity standards. Opacity must be controlled to prevent soot and other particlate matters. Pollution from combustion sources is a serious public health concern, particularly for sensitive populations such as children, the elderly, and asthmatics.
Under the settlement, Exelon will fund a series of projects. Among them, $3.25 million is allotted to retrofit school buses with pollution reduction devices and supply them with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel for two years. Exelon is planning to work with the City of Boston and aims to retrofit over 500 school buses by September 2005.
The full text of this article is available at:
http://www.chiefengineer.org/content/content_display.cfm/seqnumber_content/1534.htm
| New York City's Children Breathing Dirty Air |
August 12, 2004
Five pieces of legislature were introduced by the New York City Council to reduce pollution from motor vehicle emissions. The five proposed bills are part of a larger effort to reduce the impacts of motor vehicle pollution, particularly asthma aggravation.
The health concerns are backed by staggering data from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. According to their studies, the national asthma rate has doubled in the last 20 years, with six percent of all Americans having asthma. The numbers of asthmatics in New York City are certainly disturbing, with approximately 700,000 adults and 300,000 children diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lives.
In addition to causing major health risks, motor vehicle pollution results in monetary damages. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the total cost of asthma hospitalizations for the year 2000 was $242,454,056. Asthma cases accounted for a total of 28,868 hospitalizations and were the leading cause of school absenteeism in New York City.
The full text of this press release can be found at:
www.nyccouncil.info/pdf_files/newswire/08-12-04air_quality_bills.pdf
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