The Klamath County Environmental Health Division has received several complaints this year reference Light Trucks that purposely spill out an excessive amount of smoke as they are driving down the street. These smoking vehicles do distribute pollutants into the air and may enter their own vehicle which would expose the passengers to highly concentrated levels of pollutants. I have included some information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on the health risk from the vehicle smoke and information on how to report an excessive smoke violation when witnessed by you.

 

 Smoking Vehicles

What’s wrong with vehicle smoke?

A smoking vehicle contributes more hazardous pollutants than a properly maintained one. Breathing vehicle smoke exposes you to highly toxic air pollutants including benzene and particulates that can have serious health impacts. This exhaust can also enter your vehicle and expose you and your passengers to highly concentrated levels of pollutants. Among other pollutants, vehicle smoke contains:

 Nitrogen Oxides contribute to ground-level ozone (smog) which can reduce lung function, inflame lung tissue, and lead to permanent lung damage.

 Benzene can cause respiratory damage and increase the risk of cancer.

 Fine Particulates can lodge deep in the lungs and lead to serious respiratory disorders and worsen existing heart and lung disease.

 

 What do I do if I see a smoking vehicle?

Fill out a report online: http://www.deq.state.or.us/complaints/rep.htm or, report a smoking vehicle by calling 888-997-7888. Please have the following information available:

1) License plate #

2) Make and model (or description) of vehicle

3) Location of vehicle (where traveling)

4) Date and time you saw the vehicle

5) Description of the smoke

 

What happens to drivers caught operating a smoking vehicle?

If a vehicle smokes, law enforcement agencies have authority to issue appropriate citations. When a complaint comes to DEQ about a smoking vehicle a letter is sent to notify the vehicle owner that it’s illegal and subject to a fine if stopped by law enforcement.

 

 *Please note: Water vapor (from condensation) is commonly mistaken for vehicle smoke during the winter season. Water vapor is not considered vehicle smoke and is normal for vehicles to emit.

 

Excessive smoke from vehicles http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/vip/pdfs/SmokingVehicles.pdf

 

 

James Carey

Klamath County Environmental Health Division

541-883-1122