So what is PM?
PM is a particulate pollutant and particulate pollution is a major contributor to health issues in the United States. Comprising of a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, most particulate pollution is formed from complex reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides – pollutants that are emitted from power plants and automobiles.
According to the EPA, health issues caused by particulate pollution are:
“Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Particle pollution contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems including: premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.”
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In fact, the MPCA said there were moderate threat levels of particulate matter and ozone emissions in the Twin Cities for 106 days this year. Emissions from the transportation sector makes up 25 percent of carbon emission in Minnesota, of which 62 percent comes from light-duty vehicles, and a significant source of particulate pollution comes synthetic high-octane gasoline additives such as benzene toluene and zylene.
As we stated at the top, ethanol usage reduces particulate pollution. It has even been concluded that PM emissions decreased 34 percent nationwide from 2000 to 2013 coinciding with the implementation of the RFS. In Minnesota, a 2014 GHG Emission Reduction Report states that transportation sector emissions are on a downward trend as a result of increased biofuel usage and more fuel efficient cars on the road.
But there’s more that can be done. To further decrease PM emissions, consumers should use E15 or, if you own a flex-fuel vehicle, E85. READ MORE
London air pollution cancels positive health effects of exercise in over-60s (Imperial College London)
Exposure to airborne particulate matter during pregnancy is associated with preterm birth: a population-based cohort study (Environmental Health)
Greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)
Particulate Matter Emissions from a Direct Injection Spark Ignition Engine under Cold Fast Idle Conditions for Ethanol-Gasoline Blends (SAE International/Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Evaluating Particulate Emissions from a Flexible Fuel Vehicle with Direct Injection when Operated on Ethanol and Iso-butanol Blends (ResearchGate)
The Influence of Ethanol Blends on Particulate Matter Emissions from Gasoline Direct Injection Engines (ResearchGate)
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