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        Land Transportation Pollution

     Land transportation provides so many conveniences to our everyday lives it is hard to think about the negative effects it can have on our environment. Air pollution in the United States comes from many types of engines, industries, and commercial operations. Pollution sources that move, such as trucks, snow blowers, bulldozers, and trains, are known as "mobile sources." Mobile sources pollute the air through combustion and fuel evaporation. These emissions contribute greatly to air pollution nationwide and are the primary cause of air pollution in many urban areas. Nationwide, mobile sources represent the largest contributor to air toxics. Air toxics are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health or environmental effects. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global climate change.
     From better engine design to better transit options, programs to reduce mobile source pollution must address vehicles, engines, and equipment, but also the fuels they use and the people who operate them. The road to clean air also depends on extensive collaboration between EPA; vehicle, engine, and fuel manufacturers; state and local governments; transportation planners; and individual citizens.

There are some things you can do to help your environment:

  •  Ride your bike when possible.
  • Carpool with your friends.
  • Ask your parents to buy a fuel-efficient car.
  • Combine errands into one trip.

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    (2003, April 13).  Mobile Source Emissions - Past, Present, and Future . Retrieved April 5, 2003 from  Web site: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/invntory/overview/pollutants/index.htm