Dear
Helen:
I recently heard a report on
the radio that the Puget Sound region has one of the highest levels of air
toxics in the nation. This really concerns me, but is there anything I can
do to make a difference?
Airing my concerns
Dear Airing:
We should all be concerned
about the recent findings of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Early reports from the EPA’s
National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) place the Puget Sound region
in the top five percent for air toxics nationally. The Puget Sound Clean
Air Agency has found that at least 70% of Seattle’s air toxicity
risk can be attributed to diesel exhaust, with wood burning and vehicle
exhaust emissions also significant contributors. While the EPA’s
findings have not been formally released, the data is alarming to say
the least.
But don’t think that since you are
just one person there is nothing you can do to help turn this problem
around. There are many things each of us can do to lessen the amount of
toxics we release into the air. Here are just a few:
- Limit your driving by carpooling, walking
or bicycling, using transportation alternatives, or teleworking.
- Ask your school district to support efforts
to clean up diesel school buses.
- If you’re thinking of buying a new
car, look up the EPA’s Green
Vehicle Buying Guide where you can find great information on choosing
a low-emissions vehicle that fits your needs and your budget.
- Replace your wood stove with a natural
gas or propane model.
- Ask local and federal government officials
to support funding for diesel vehicle retrofits and cleaner fuels.
For more suggestions and resources on reducing
air toxics, visit the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s Web site at
www.pscleanair.org and spread
the word. Your willingness to take personal action to help improve our
air quality warms my heart!
HOV
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