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| Protecting Your Health |
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| Reducing Benzene in Oregon |
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In many Oregon communities, residents are breathing air contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, at levels up to 20 times higher than recommended to protect our health. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is working in a number of ways to address this problem, from supporting tougher federal standards to reduce benzene in Oregon’s fuel supply to proposing new rules to eliminate most benzene emissions at your local gas station.
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| Lower your exposure |
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There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to benzene:
- Avoid gasoline fumes caused by spills or improper handling.
- In the summer, fuel up in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Never “top off” the tank. Fuel could spill or worse – ruin your vehicles vapor recovery system designed to keep gasoline fumes from escaping.
- Use electric or manual alternatives to gas-powered lawn equipment and blowers.
- Keep your vehicle properly maintained. A well maintained vehicle uses less gasoline and produces fewer emissions.
- Avoid cigarette smoke (another source of benzene!).
- Avoid smoke from burning wood, plant materials or refuse.
For more information about how DEQ is working to reduce benzene pollution in Oregon, see the press release “Benzene: A Problem in Oregon.”
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