Ozone Quiz: Yard Equipment and Clean Air
If you answered yes:
You're helping to reduce pollution by being careful when using fuel at home. Each year, more than 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled when people refuel power lawn and garden equipment, such as lawn mowers, tractors, chain saws, trimmers, chippers leaf blowers, tillers and wood splitters.
The spilled fuels evaporate into the air and contribute to summer ozone problems.
If you answered no:
By being more careful using gas-powered equipment at home, you can help reduce pollution. Emissions from lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, leaf vacuums and similar outdoor power equipment are a significant source of pollution. Today's small engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide and the volatile organic compounds that contribute to ozone pollution.
Emissions controls for small gasoline engines have not been a major design consideration until now. You can help reduce emissions by keeping up on maintenance of lawn equipment and taking time to winter-proof the machines. And you can start asking dealers about cleaner-burning equipment starting to enter the marketplace.
Here are some tips to help reduce emissions from your garden equipment:
- Use a gas container that can be easily handled and held.
- Pour slowly and smoothly.
- Use a spout or a funnel.
- Avoid overfilling.
- Avoid tipping equipment on the side for cleaning if the gas tank is full.
- Refuel at night when it's cooler to reduce the chance for evaporative emissions.
