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O2 Means Oxygen
We need it to breathe. We need it to live. During the summer, breathing can become a little difficult. But, it doesn't have to if you do your part to help clear the air.
Summer Means Ozone Season
Ground level ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that is unhealthy to breathe and can damage trees and crops. It is formed when nitrogen oxides react with volatile organic compounds in the air during very hot weather. Ground level ozone can come from a variety of sources. But, the main culprit is the automobile.
In North Carolina, nearly 50 percent of ozone-forming emissions come from automobiles. Pollution from motor vehicles not only causes smog – it causes a wide range of health problems, especially among children and the elderly. That's why CATS is encouraging you to get out of your car and on board a bus, train, vanpool or a carpool.
Your car has an air filter. You just have lungs.
There are a lot of ways you can help clear the air in the Charlotte area. Here are just a few tips to get you started:
- Act Now: Develop an ozone action plan.
- Get on Board: Ride CATS or LYNX, vanpool, carpool, bike or walk. Call 704-336-RIDE to learn how.
- Don't Drive To Lunch: Either bring your lunch from home or walk to a nearby restaurant.
- Drive It Right: When you must drive, try to plan ahead so you can combine short trips.
- Stay Tuned: Keep your car, boat and lawn equipment tuned up. Well maintained engines emit less air pollutants.
- Wait Till Dusk: Postpone refueling and using gasoline powered lawn equipment until after 6:00 pm. Ground level ozone can be created when gasoline fumes heat up.
- Don't Idle: When you do drive, avoid idling for long periods of time, avoid sudden stops and starts, and stay within the speed limit.
Know The Code: |
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Take Action
CATS can help you develop your personal ozone action plan. You will use this plan on days when the ozone color code is orange, red or purple. To plan your trip on CATS, click here to access our trip planner. Or, stop by one of our events and let our staff answer your questions.
To be matched with a CATS vanpool click here.
For carpool, visit http://www.sharetheridenc.com/.
CATS can also work with employers to develop flex-time, telecommunting and vanpooling options.
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We All Need a Breath Of Fresh Air
Currently, Mecklenburg and seven other North and South Carolina counties have been designated non-attainment areas for exceeding the federal health-based standard for ground level ozone. For the residents of these counties, the results of this designation could mean:
- Alternative fuels that cost more
- Restrictions on the location and expansion of industry, which could slow economic growth and keep new jobs from our area
- Withholding of federal funding for highway projects
CATS is taking steps to improve Charlotte's air quality by expanding the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel in its fleet. Ultra low sulfur diesel reduces harmful emissions up to 20 percent. In addition, CATS has installed diesel particulate filters which provide even more reductions in emissions.
CATS currently has two hybrid diesel-electric buses in its fleet. This summer CATS will add five more. These vehicles use electric power to propel the bus, and this technology further reduces harmful emissions by up to 90 percent.
To learn more about CATS clean air initiative or our employer programs, please contact us: telltransit@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
AIR QUALITY WEBSITES
To check the daily ozone forecast in the Charlotte Area or other information concerning air quality, visit:
http://daq.state.nc.us/Ozone/
Mecklenburg County Air Quality
North Carolina Division of Air Quality
(A Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources –DENR)
United States Environmental Protection Agency |
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