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see. Other particles are so small that they can only be seen
with an electron microscope. The sizes and types of
different particulate matter include total suspended
particulates, fine and course particulate matter, sulfates,
nitrates, and sulfur dioxide. Particle pollution comes from a
variety of natural and manmade sources, such as cars, power
plants, and forest fires.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and
poisonous gas that can impair the body’s ability to transfer
oxygen, resulting in asphyxia or shortness of breath. The
principal source of carbon monoxide is vehicle emissions.
Lead (Pb)
Lead is a highly toxic metal when ingested or inhaled. Less
lead is in the environment due to changes in gasoline
formulations.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are a class of pollutants formed
when fuel is burned at a very high temperature (above 1200
°F), such as in automobiles and power plants. NOx plays a
major role in the formation of ground-level ozone in the
atmosphere through a complex series of reactions with
volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Sulfur Dioxide (SO
2
)
Sulfur dioxide (SO
2
) is one of a group of highly reactive
gases which is emitted from fossil fuel power plants and
other industrial facilities.
Air Toxics
In addition to the air pollutants listed above, various air
toxics and greenhouse gases are also significant threats to
air quality and the climate. Nationwide, mobile sources
represent the largest contributor to air toxics. Air toxics are
pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other
serious health or environmental effects.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(PADEP), working with the federal Environmental
Protection Agency, regulates various stationary sources of
air pollution. The Clean Air Act requires the Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to
The municipal waste resource recovery facility contains several types of air pollution control systems
to minimize air emissions.
demonstrate that transportation projects and programs in the Transportation
Improvement Plan and Long Range Plan do not cumulatively harm air quality.
DVRPC also administers the Air Quality Partnership and the Ozone Action
program.
Additional reduction of vehicle miles traveled would result from increased use of
alternative transportation options such as public transportation systems, biking
and walking, and commuter ride sharing. Some changes in community design
have minimized vehicle miles traveled by creating mixed use development with
convenient shopping and employment opportunities near houses.
