Outdoor Air Quality
Transportation
It may seem that the emissions from our vehicles are not polluting the air, but together with the emissions of thousands of other vehicles in New Brunswick there is a definite impact on our health and our environment. Internal combustion engines used to power motor vehicles are responsible for significant levels of air contaminants in any urban area. For gasoline-fuelled vehicles, the pollutants of concern are: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (Nox), volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter, and toxics such as benzene. For diesel-fuelled vehicles, the pollutants of concern are: sulphur oxides (Sox), nitrogen oxides (Nox), acid aerosols and particulate matter.
Although the newer vehicles we drive are designed to be cleaner than their predecessors, we tend to drive our vehicles further and further – eliminating the benefits of cleaner cars. As well, a lack of maintenance and/or tampering with emission control systems on light and heavy duty vehicles are responsible for a significant portion of these excess emissions. In addition, the emissions of one of the major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), are directly linked to fuel consumption. Poorly maintained vehicles can be less fuel efficient than their well maintained counterparts. This reduced fuel efficiency can result in unnecessary (CO2) emissions.
Here is a list of things that you can do to improve
outdoor air quality:
Remember that one busload of passengers takes 40 vehicles off the road during rush hour. It also saves 70,000 litres of fuel and avoids 9 tonnes of air pollutants a year! - Consider a more fuel efficient car when making your next purchase and avoid its use during poor air quality days.
- A carpool to work or children's activities means one less car on the road and fewer emissions.
- Don't idle your vehicle! Turn it off, even if it is only for a few minutes.
- Try walking, biking, or in-line skating for an errand or to work.
- Checking the emissions system on your vehicle to ensure it is in top working order can help.
- Consider a no-car week at your house. How many kilometres can your family travel using alternative transportation?
For more information, please download our Vehicle Fuels fact sheet (PDF) or visit Environment Canada’s sitehttp://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=800CCAF9-1.
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