Studies show that serious health issues are on the rise and are due in part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals — whether it’s in the shower, on our commute or at the auto body shop.
Industrial cleaners and degreasers, including automotive brake cleaners, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to smog and air pollution, as well as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that can cause major health problems. Particularly susceptible individuals include young children, the elderly, people with prior lung problems, and, to a lesser degree, otherwise healthy people who work or exercise outdoors.
With ground-level ozone readings in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area on the brink of “unacceptable,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s increasingly important to take steps toward improving the Omaha metro’s air quality, now and for generations to come. Fortunately, several businesses throughout the metro area have already started on the path toward cleaner air.
“As a young person myself, I feel it’s important to start thinking about how we’re leaving the planet for future generations, especially in the automotive world, where there have traditionally been a lot of unsafe practices,” said Leo Kazmierczak, owner of K11 Auto Repair in Omaha.
Earlier this year, Kazmierczak and several other auto repair shop owners participated in the Greener Brake Cleaner Project, an initiative from the Nebraska Business Development Center funded by Nebraska Environmental Trust to improve Omaha’s air quality and reduce adverse health risks for workers. The project provided owners with a case of greener brake cleaner (they had several options to choose from) for free, in the hopes that after they used the environmentally-friendly cleaners and experienced first-hand the effectiveness of the product, they would switch permanently.
“I made the conscious effort to switch to greener brake cleaner before I heard about the initiative,” he said. “Many of my customers complained about the smell associated with traditional, chlorine-based cleaners, and I knew it couldn’t be good for our shop or the environment.”
Since making the switch to greener brake cleaner, Kazmierczak noticed a significant decrease in customers complaining about the air quality at his shop, as well as less dryness, redness and irritation on his hands after using the product.
Supporting mechanics like Kazmierczak who use environmentally friendly products and practices is just one way we can all make a big impact on the Omaha metro’s air quality. Other steps include:
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Using cleaner-burning biofuels
Select cleaner-burning, renewable biofuels when filling up your vehicle. Ethanol and biodiesel blends are available throughout the metro area. All drivers can fill up with E10, and flex fuel vehicle drivers can use any ethanol blend up to E85.
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Turning off your car when it’s not in use
Idling your car for more than 30 seconds uses more fuel than stopping and starting your engine. Turn off your car when idling for more than 30 seconds to help reduce ground-level ozone emissions and improve air quality.
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Driving less
Consider carpooling, taking the bus, walking or biking to help reduce the release of unburned gas in the air.
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Refueling when it’s cool
If you drive, consider filling up your gas tank at night, when it’s cooler. Fumes released by the gas pump can disperse overnight, which is better for our health and the environment.
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Going manual or electric when possible
Even small engines in gas-powered mowers, leaf blowers and trimmers release as much as 25% unburned gasoline into the air. Instead, try switching to electric or manual lawn mowers, or mow your yard during cooler hours of the day to reduce ozone emissions and improve air quality.
For more information on little steps you can take to make a difference in creating cleaner air, visit littlestepscleanerair.com.