Air Quality – Page 12 – Business Environmental Program

Petition to add 1-BP to CAA list of toxics signed

February 8, 2021June 19, 2020

On June 12, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator signed a final notice to grant a petition to add 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) to the Clean Air Act (CAA) list of air toxics. Once this substance is added, the EPA may revise or create new emission standards for source categories that emit 1-BP. Use of 1-BP has increased over the past two decades. It is used as a solvent in many industries and products such as aerosol glues, asphalt production, synthetic …

Clean Air Act 50th Anniversary

March 23, 2021June 11, 2020

For 50 years, the Clean Air Act (CAA) has protected the public health and the environment through the implementation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which measure the emissions and pollutants in our air. Since its implementation, emissions and pollutants have dropped by 77%.* In 1990 amendments were implemented, which significantly reduced the concentrations of air pollutants. Below are a few examples of the decrease in emissions for each pollutant. Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8-Hour – decreased by 78% Lead (Pb) 3-Month …

How Mobile Sources Affect Your Health

February 8, 2021March 6, 2020

Mobile Sources of Air Pollution Mobile sources of air pollution are divided into two categories: On-road vehicles include: Motorcycles; Passenger cars and trucks; and Commercial trucks and buses. Nonroad vehicles and engines include: Aircraft; Heavy equipment; Locomotives; Marine vessels; Recreation vehicles (snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, etc.); and Small engines and tools (lawnmowers, etc.). Related documents: Master List of Compounds Emitted by Mobile Sources (PDF) (16 pp, EPA420-B-06-002, February 2006) Provides a list of all compounds emitted by mobile sources in 2006. Expanding and Updating …

Ground level Ozone Basics

February 8, 2021January 29, 2019

What is “good” vs. “bad” ozone? Ozone can be “good” or “bad” for health and the environment depending on where it’s found in the atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone is “good” because it protects living things from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ground-level ozone, the topic of this website, is “bad” because it can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Learn more about ground-level ozone. Ozone is a gas …

The Benefits of Reducing Idling

February 8, 2021January 11, 2019

Benefits and Methods for Reducing Idling Operator comfort is essential to maintaining focus and high performance in locomotive shipping. However, changing how you achieve it by reducing idling can help you achieve significant benefits. Benefits from reducing long-duration idling include: Decreasing fuel costs, Decreasing engine maintenance costs; Extending engine life; Improving operator well-being by decreasing noise levels; Decreasing emissions that are harmful to the environment; and Improving relationships with surrounding communities. There are two ways of reducing idling: Behavioral strategies …