Stop Idling and Breathe Easier

Have you ever left your car engine running while you waited to pick up your children at school, your husband or wife at the Summit train station, or while you waited in the drive-through line at the bank ATM? On a cold day, have you let your engine idle for several minutes to warm up your car first thing in the morning?

Most of us have. But when you leave your car or truck running while it’s parked or stopped, the engine produces air pollution that contributes to problems such as increased carbon emissions and global warming, and is also harmful to our health. Idling for more than three consecutive minutes is against the law in the state of New Jersey because of its impact on the environment and human health.

Idling your car unnecessarily exposes vulnerable populations of children and adults to unhealthy plumes of exhaust filled with particle pollution. Airborne particles can cause nasal, throat, respiratory, and eye problems, and is especially harmful to people with asthma. The World Health Organization found that particle pollution and ground level ozone aggravated asthma in children and contributed to an increased risk of respiratory tract infection as well.

Did you know that people inside and outside the car are exposed to the unhealthy exhaust when you idle?  I cannot think of a better reason to turn off my car than to protect family members who are in the car from the ill effects of inhaling exhaust filled with particle pollution.

Stopping unnecessary vehicle idling is not just an easy way to contribute to improving air quality and respiratory health in our communities but can also save fuel and money. 

So the next time you are stopped and waiting in your car, think about turning it off, and breathe a bit easier.

–By Amy Cairns Harrison, City of Summit Environmental Commission