Diesel Exhaust – Air Quality Issues ITEP Air Quality Training Kodiak 2015 Bob Morgan Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

2 Everybody in Alaska Villages has been around Diesel Emissions

3 Everybody!

4 Why do we worry about air pollution from diesel emissions? 1.Diesel emissions can be particularly dirty, especially if equipment is not operated and maintained properly

5 Why do we worry about diesel? (cont.) 2.Diesel engines produce numerous air pollutants Hundreds of constituents gases and particulate matter Mostly fine particulate, PM 2.5 Gases include  Combustion gases - O 2, CO 2, H 2 O  Pollutant gases – NO X, SO 2, CO Air Toxics  aldehydes (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein), benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs

6 Why do we worry about diesel? (cont.) 3.Air pollution from diesel-fueled equipment can have severe health effects, short- and long-term  Short-term health effects Irritation of respiratory system Increases in respiratory infections Aggravates asthma Increases in coughing, difficult or painful breathing, phlegm, wheezing  Long-term health effects Chronic respiratory disease Cancer

7 Native Village Health Studies The Rural Alaska Diesel Health Study found Increases in asthma-like symptoms Increases in respiratory infection For more information contact  Dr. Mary Ellen Gordian, MD at University Alaska Anchorage, Institute of Social and Economic Research, or  Dr. Carol Ballew – Director of Epidemiology at Alaska Native Health Board

8 Sources of Diesel Emissions Power Plants Home Heating Vehicle Emissions

9 Ways To Reduce Diesel Emissions in Your Village 1. Urge your local government or tribal organization to maintain and operate diesel generators to minimize emissions

10 Ways To Reduce Diesel Emissions in Your Village (cont.) 2. Work with local government or tribal organization to located new power plants away from village homes, schools, and businesses 3. Maintain diesel vehicles and heavy equipment in good working order to minimize emissions 4. Whenever possible, don’t idle diesel vehicles close to homes or schools 5. Maintain your home heating stove or furnace in good working order as manufacturer recommendations 6. Conserve whenever possible! Turn down heat and turn off unnecessary lights