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Asthma is a serious chronic lung condition characterized by episodes or attacks of
inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in response to asthma triggers. In 2003,
approximately 20 million Americans had asthma, and this condition accounted for an
estimated 12.8 million lost school days in children and 24.5 million lost work days
in adults.
The American Lung Association encourages Americans to proactively
identify and reduce
exposure to harmful environmental triggers that contribute to asthma. One of the many
triggers of asthma is diesel exhaust (with tailpipe emissions of particulate matter,
volatile organic material and ozone precursors). Actual data today shows that in the
Chicago area:
40% of the volatile organic emissions are from on-road vehicles
23% are from off-road vehicles while only 10% are from
industrial sources. Illinois has two regional areas that are in
non-attainment status, meaning levels are above
established EPA thresholds for ozone. (Chicago/collar
counties and East St. Louis area). Working with
industrial sources alone will not reduce asthma triggers.
Biodiesel Environmental Advantages
Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to complete health effects
and emissions testing (under the Clean Air Act Tier 1 and Tier 11 process).
Particulate emissions are reduced by 30% due to more complete combustion.
Overall smog and ozone forming potential is reduced by 50% (by reduction of carbon
monoxide and dioxide).
Hydrocarbons, also a contributor to ozone, are reduced by 95%. Sulfur oxides and
sulfates, components of acid rain, are completely eliminated.
Aromatic cancer causing compounds are reduced by 75 to 90%.
100% Biodiesel is non-toxic and non-irritating, and biodegradable, with little
aquatic toxicity and low combustibility.
There are some issues concerning an increase in nitrogen oxides
in certain Biodiesel blends, however; this finding is still under review, and
certainly the benefits above outweigh the slight potential increase in NOx.
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