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DID YOU KNOW? The exhaust from diesel engines contains tiny particles that become soot. The smallest particles are the most dangerous, since they penetrate the cells of the lungs. Soot particles can travel long distances: they have even been found at the South Pole, where no major source for them exists for thousands of miles. In Washington, between 1999 and 2003, the number of adults with asthma in Washington increased by 30 percent; and among youth by 15 percent. Soot in the air is probably part of the cause.

WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING: The Department of Ecology and the state's seven local air quality agencies have retrofitted nearly 5,000 school buses with a combination of exhaust-reduction technologies. The state legislature granted the $5,000,000 per year for five years to retrofit 100% of those school buses determined to be suitable for retrofits. The retrofits, combined with the now readily available ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, reduce emissions on individual buses by 40 to 99 percent.

In addition, The Department of Ecology awarded $2,000,000 to cities, counties, port and transit authorities to retrofit their diesel fleets with exhaust-reduction equipment. Ecology granted awards to 28 recipients to retrofit more than 900 vehicles. The retrofits, combined with the now readily available ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, reduce emissions on individual vehicles by 40 to 99 percent.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: If you drive a diesel vehicle, use ultra-low sulfur fuel. Encourage local officials or business to retro-fit the exhaust systems on diesel engines. Consider using cleaner-burning bio-diesel fuel. Bio-diesel is available at a growing number of locations in Washington.

More information about diesel fuel

Remember...It All Adds Up

DID YOU KNOW? Driving an automobile is one of the most polluting things an individual can do. In Washington, gas-driven motor vehicles generated approximately 1.5 million tons of pollution in 2005. This exhaust contains many toxins. Typical automobile exhaust contains more than 20 separate chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects.

WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING: Ecology operates the Emission Check Program in five Washington counties—Pierce, King, Snohomish, Spokane, and Clark. Motor vehicles are Washington’s largest source of air pollution. In 2005, the Emission Check Program prevented an estimated 104,000 tons of air pollution in Washington per year.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Reduce idling - turn off the engine if idling for more than a minute when not in traffic.
• Consider buying a fuel-efficient, or even a hybrid vehicle.
• Keep your car or truck in good working order.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated.
• Drive less - group errands together; carpool; take public transportation.

Remember...It All Adds Up

DID YOU KNOW? Smoke from burning leaves and wood may seem harmless, but it’s as dangerous as cigarette smoke and can contribute to birth defects, cancer and lung disease.

WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING: Beginning in 2007, residential burning and land-clearing burning will no longer be allowed in most towns and communities throughout Washington as a result of the newest phase of Washington’s Clean Air Act. The burn ban affects all urban growth areas in the state. Contact you local planning department to see if your area is affected by the ban. (Recreational burning, such as camp fires, will still be allowed).

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Recycle through curbside or drop-off programs. Chip larger branches and other woody debris. Compost leaves and grass. Chips and compost make great natural mulch and fertilizer for your garden.

More information about outdoor burning

More information about composting

• Why Compost?
• Backyard Composting how-to information from the WSU Cooperative extension program

Remember...It All Adds Up

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