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Tox Town - Environmental health concerns and toxic chemicals where you live, work, and play
Off-road Vehiclesen español

What are off-road vehicles?

Off-road vehicles are land-based motorized vehicles that do not drive on roads and highways. They are also sometimes called nonroad vehicles. Nonroad vehicles and engines operate on gasoline, diesel fuel, or propane

On a farm, agricultural off-road vehicles may include tractors, mowers, combines, and trenching machines. Recreational off-road vehicles on a farm may include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes (nonroad motorcycles), motorized scooters, and snowmobiles. Nonroad engines may be used on a farm in generators to create power, or pump water for irrigation equipment. 

Off-road vehicles include construction equipment and vehicles such as forklifts, bulldozers, and backhoes. Nonroad engines are also used in yard and garden equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws. 

Off-road vehicles and engines emit almost as much air pollution as highway vehicles. They emit carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. These air pollutants contribute to serious human health problems, including cardiovascular disease, asthma, and bronchitis.


Web Links from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Air Pollution
Farm Health and Safety
Motor Vehicle Safety

More Links
Nonroad Engines, Equipment and Vehicles home page (Environmental Protection Agency)

Chemicals and Off-Road Vehicles
Are these chemicals in MY environment?
Acetone
Benzene
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Diesel
Ethylene Glycol
Formaldehyde
Gasoline
Natural Gas
Nitrogen Oxides
Ozone
Particulate Matter
Propane
Sulfur Dioxide
Volatile Organic Compounds


Last Updated: October 28, 2008

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