Diesel Exhaust
Pollution from diesel engines is a widespread problem across New
England and it significantly contributes to air pollution, especially
in urban areas. Diesel exhaust is made up of small particles, known
as fine particulate matter. Fine particles pose a serious health
risk because they can easily pass through the nose and throat and
lodge themselves in the lungs. When inhaled repeatedly, the fine
particles in diesel exhaust may aggravate asthma and allergies
or cause other serious health problems including lung cancer. EPA
New England is working to advance cleaner
diesel engines, promote pollution control technology, prevent
unnecessary idling and ultimately, make the black puff of smoke
that can come from these engines an image of the past. There are
a number of actions that you can take to reduce the diesel
emissions as well.
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Highlights |
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What is
EPA Doing? |
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To reduce diesel
pollution and help ensure that New Englanders have
cleaner air, EPA has set
stringent
emission standards
for new diesel engines and diesel fuel. These
national standards reduce diesel pollution from new
diesel engines by 90 percent. To reduce diesel
pollution from existing diesel engines, EPA is
implementing voluntary local
and regional initiatives.
In addition, EPA is encouraging schools, businesses,
institutions and communities to develop anti-idling policies.
Since
2002, more than 10,000 engines operating in New
England have been or are being retrofitted with pollution control
technology. |
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