Feb. 28 - Environmental and health organizations release study documenting commuters’ exposure to harmful diesel particles

Fine particle pollutants released from the exhaust of diesel-powered vehicles pose a major health risk to commuters in Austin and other cities across the nation, according to a new report released today by the nonprofit Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and produced with assistance by Public Citizen’s Texas office.

CATF, a Boston-based environmental research group, investigated diesel exhaust levels during commutes in New York City, N.Y.; Boston, Mass.; Austin, Texas and Columbus, Ohio. In its study, CATF documented diesel particle levels four to eight times higher inside commuter cars, buses, and trains than in the ambient outdoor air in those cities. When compared to Boston and Columbus, Austin ranked highest during peak pollution levels for exposure to three of four primary diesel pollutants inside cars when compared to outdoor air levels.

To read the entire press release, click here.

To read the report, click here. 

For information about diesel risk in specific communities, click here.

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.