The Connecticut Post Online - Alliance targets diesel pollution
A coalition of environmental groups Wednesday urged state officials to do more to curb diesel pollution, citing new findings that the daily commute is a significant source of exposure to harmful diesel fumes.
A report released Wednesday by the Clean Air Task Force found that although 6 percent of a typical day is spent getting to and from work, the commute typically accounts for 60 percent of a commuter's exposure to diesel pollution.
The report based its findings on a study of commutes in Austin, Texas; Boston; New York City and Columbus, Ohio.
It found people who commute by car, bus, ferry, train or foot had significant exposure to fine-particulate pollution from diesel exhaust. But it also noted that exposure fell in areas where transit and other vehicles are fitted with special filters or use alternative fuels.
"I think that this report is really important for Fairfield County residents to take note of," said Katherine Woodhead, community organizer for the Fairfield County Environmental Justice Network, based in Bridgeport.
She said Bridgeport in particular has a high incidence of asthma, which she said has been associated with fine-particulate pollution from diesel engines.
"Fairfield County is among the hardest hit 7 percent for counties nationwide in terms of health impacts from diesel exhaust," Woodhead said.
The Connecticut Alliance Against Diesel Pollution, a coalition of environmental groups, said the study shows a need for action at the state level to curb diesel pollution. ..."
