Pupils produce information on impact of vehicle idling
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

DAVE BENJAMIN Leanna Romanosky discusses the work her pupils at the Switlik School did on the potential dangers of engine idling.

JACKSON - Students at the Switlik Elementary School want an end to air pollution caused by idling vehicles, and they want to see laws that prohibit idling enforced.

Councilman Scott R.Martin brought the students'desires to the attention of the public at the June 10 meeting of the Township Council.

He said, "Acouple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Leanna Romanosky's third-grade class presentation about the dangers and health hazards dealing with [vehicular] emissions. It's a good idea to bring public awareness to this issue of the dangers of idling emissions."

Romanosky said the pupils made pictures for their presentations and wrote the words that tell the story about emissions from vehicles.

In a presentation to the council, the pupils explained why cars, trucks and buses should not idle their engines formore than 10 seconds. They described how gasoline is wasted by idling and said they want their own school district to comply with the three-minute idle rule.

Martin said emissions from gasolineand diesel-powered vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution. He said the pollution can trigger an asthma attack and other ailments.

Asthma is a significant public health concern in New Jersey, especially among the elderly, according to the councilman.He also noted that 25 percent of New Jersey's school-age children are asthmatic.

He said that for every gallon of gasoline used, the average car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, the largest contributor to greenhouse climate change, with one-third of greenhouse gas emissions coming from the transportation sector.

The councilman said the public can reduce unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and exposure to air toxicity by reducing and eliminating wasteful vehicle idling, which also wears engine parts and is not beneficial to the engine.

"Idling more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and emits more pollutants than turning a warmengine off,"Martin said. "Idling for 10minutes uses asmuch fuel as it takes to travel five miles."

The students in Romanosky's class have brought awareness to the dangers of idling and the potential health hazards it causes, Martin said.

He said the council encourages anyone using a gasoline- or diesel-powered motor vehicle to turn off the engine after 10 seconds if they plan to remain at that location for more than 30 seconds.

It was suggested thatmunicipal vehicles bemaintained in such a way as to eliminate any visible exhaust and that existing violations and penalties under New Jersey's present no-idling code be enforced.

"Broad education of the public about the health, environmental and economic impacts of idling and ways to reduce idling must be supported," he said.

Martin presented the pupils and their teacher with certificates in recognition of their work on this subject.