ACTION REQUESTED - EPA standard impacts cyclist health
03-21-06, 08:37 AM
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ACTION REQUESTED - EPA standard impacts cyclist health
Cyclists:
The EPA is now taking comments on it's standards for fine particulate pollution. This type of pollution is really bad for cyclists, because we breathe deeply as we ride, and we are not enclosed in the cabin of a vehicle. The soot particles get saturated with carcinogens and carry them deeply into our lungs, and in some people this will turn into cancer or other chronic diseases.
For a very good discussion, see Robin Holzer's CTC Houston's posting:
https://ctchouston.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=947#947
You may comment by email, but you need the Docket ID number in your email. Read instructions on how to comment carefully.
Please comment before April 17, thank you.
Peter Wang, LCI
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 06:04:34 -0800 (PST)
From: "Peter Wang" <kf5nd@yahoo.com>
Subject: Comment on Docket ID No. OAR-2001-0017
To: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov
Dear EPA:
I am a bicycle commuter, and I am concerned that I am exposing myself to dangerous fine particulate air pollutants as I ride my bike. There is no shelter for me, unlike those around me who are within a motor vehicle and are not breathing deeply.
I really don't want a lifetime of bike riding to turn into a lung cancer case.
I urge you to adopt stricter standards for fine particulates. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Peter Wang
The EPA is now taking comments on it's standards for fine particulate pollution. This type of pollution is really bad for cyclists, because we breathe deeply as we ride, and we are not enclosed in the cabin of a vehicle. The soot particles get saturated with carcinogens and carry them deeply into our lungs, and in some people this will turn into cancer or other chronic diseases.
For a very good discussion, see Robin Holzer's CTC Houston's posting:
https://ctchouston.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=947#947
You may comment by email, but you need the Docket ID number in your email. Read instructions on how to comment carefully.
Please comment before April 17, thank you.
Peter Wang, LCI
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 06:04:34 -0800 (PST)
From: "Peter Wang" <kf5nd@yahoo.com>
Subject: Comment on Docket ID No. OAR-2001-0017
To: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov
Dear EPA:
I am a bicycle commuter, and I am concerned that I am exposing myself to dangerous fine particulate air pollutants as I ride my bike. There is no shelter for me, unlike those around me who are within a motor vehicle and are not breathing deeply.
I really don't want a lifetime of bike riding to turn into a lung cancer case.
I urge you to adopt stricter standards for fine particulates. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Peter Wang
03-21-06, 02:58 PM
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The American Lung Association, other than fighting big tobacco, also has been lobbying for cleaner air such as in introducing legislation from auto to factory emissions. To do this, they have also turned to the public so that they can be members of advocacy like it is being mentioned from the EPA.
However, the EPA rules have been relaxed until it seems that they are something of a joke and it seems it's back to square one. So it's an even bigger fight to get the rules back to where they had been. I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
However, the EPA rules have been relaxed until it seems that they are something of a joke and it seems it's back to square one. So it's an even bigger fight to get the rules back to where they had been. I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
03-21-06, 03:56 PM
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Done and done, email sent.
It's not unheard-of to see adults walking with facemask filters on around here (rare, but not unheard-of). I've often wondered if that would do any good for heavy-breathing bike commutes, or if we're all totally boned for lung cancer one way or the other. I tend to believe in the latter.
And like Umbra says:
https://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2005...ing/index.html
I guess in these studies, the air filter in a car really doesn't make that big of a difference -- the toxics are too small to be stopped.
Which is why EVERYONE should get behind the concept of stricter air quality standards. But I agree: it certainly feels worse when you're on a bike or walking and you smell the pollution or see it build up on your gear/clothes. It's definitely used as an excuse by people not to bike ("I don't want to be breathing that stuff out in the open, gimme a cocoon."), regardless of the studies.
It's not unheard-of to see adults walking with facemask filters on around here (rare, but not unheard-of). I've often wondered if that would do any good for heavy-breathing bike commutes, or if we're all totally boned for lung cancer one way or the other. I tend to believe in the latter.
And like Umbra says:
https://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2005...ing/index.html
Being near or in traffic has an impact on our health and the environment, no matter what vehicle we choose. Chemicals and particulate matter flow from car and bus and taxi engines and into the mini-weather system of the traffic zone. These nasties include carbon monoxide, the BTEX volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), and nitrogen oxides. Yummy.
The nasties are densest at the middle of the traffic zone, and less intense on the edges. So, to put it simply, the position of your lungs is key. Of course, there are many variables for air-pollution scientists to play with, and each situation is different, and so on -- but, basically, studies show you get the biggest hit of the nasties when you're inside a car. Sure, a personal Mobile Emissions Source appears hermetic, but it's an illusion: MES occupants are very close to sucking on the tailpipe of the MES just ahead of them. In a bus, riders' lungs are a bit above these sources. And bikers and pedestrians are on the outskirts.
The nasties are densest at the middle of the traffic zone, and less intense on the edges. So, to put it simply, the position of your lungs is key. Of course, there are many variables for air-pollution scientists to play with, and each situation is different, and so on -- but, basically, studies show you get the biggest hit of the nasties when you're inside a car. Sure, a personal Mobile Emissions Source appears hermetic, but it's an illusion: MES occupants are very close to sucking on the tailpipe of the MES just ahead of them. In a bus, riders' lungs are a bit above these sources. And bikers and pedestrians are on the outskirts.
Which is why EVERYONE should get behind the concept of stricter air quality standards. But I agree: it certainly feels worse when you're on a bike or walking and you smell the pollution or see it build up on your gear/clothes. It's definitely used as an excuse by people not to bike ("I don't want to be breathing that stuff out in the open, gimme a cocoon."), regardless of the studies.
03-22-06, 09:48 AM
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Facemask filters do nothing, except defeat larger dust particles. Against diesel soot they are worthless.
03-22-06, 02:47 PM
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RacingBear
I'll write, but I think it's pointless. EPA will go with whoever will offer bigger bribes, errr I ment lobbying. If you want proof just look at current "laws".
03-23-06, 01:34 AM
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I remember recently seeing an Advocacy picture from the 70s with a guy on his bike wearing a gas mask. It was a Denver paper, and that was at the peak of Denver's air problems.
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Make a BOLD Statement While Cycling!
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03-23-06, 09:33 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by bbonnn
Done and done, email sent.
like Umbra says:
like Umbra says:
... studies show you get the biggest hit of the nasties when you're inside a car. Sure, a personal Mobile Emissions Source appears hermetic, but it's an illusion: MES occupants are very close to sucking on the tailpipe of the MES just ahead of them... bikers and pedestrians are on the outskirts.
03-23-06, 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by powerhouse
The American Lung Association, other than fighting big tobacco, also has been lobbying for cleaner air such as in introducing legislation from auto to factory emissions. To do this, they have also turned to the public so that they can be members of advocacy like it is being mentioned from the EPA.
However, the EPA rules have been relaxed until it seems that they are something of a joke and it seems it's back to square one. So it's an even bigger fight to get the rules back to where they had been. I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
However, the EPA rules have been relaxed until it seems that they are something of a joke and it seems it's back to square one. So it's an even bigger fight to get the rules back to where they had been. I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
With thousands of cyclists crossomg the state, millions of dollars are raised to lobby in the interest of the health of cyclists and non-cyclists alike. There are similar treks in every state.
03-23-06, 10:14 AM
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Not to get all liberal, but I really doubt this Administration sincerely cares about this...
03-23-06, 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by UmneyDurak
I'll write, but I think it's pointless. EPA will go with whoever will offer bigger bribes, errr I ment lobbying. If you want proof just look at current "laws".
