Vehicular air emissions are emitted from cars, trucks, airplanes, lawn mowers, and farming equipment.  Air emissions from these sources are a significant contribution to local air pollution.

Vehicular sources significantly contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, responsible for at least 39% of the air pollutants in Wichita's air.  Ozone can cause respiratory problems for those who have asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. 

After ozone, Particulate Matter (PM) is the next highest ranking criteria air pollutant in Wichita as measured by the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI).  Vehicular air pollutants are suspected in cancers, respiratory diseases, and lung tissue damage.  Vehicle exhaust accounts for approximately 39% of volatile air compounds and 55% of the nitrogen oxides emitted into the Wichita air.

As part of the Clean Air Act, the EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which limit the levels of six principal pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment.  Wichita is in compliance with all of the NAAQS, but was close to exceeding the EPA's 2008 revised standard for ozone.

HOW WIRE IS ADDRESSING THIS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
WIRE has initiated an idle reduction program and collaborated with Wichita USD 259 transportation staff to establish pilot projects that would create idle-free zones at selected Wichita schools. By eliminating unnecessary school bus and car idling around student loading and unloading zones, we can reduce exposure to diesel exhaust and air pollution.  As part of the idle reduction project, an air quality education campaign that includes student projects and contests is being developed for students, teachers, bus drivers, and parents to enhance this effort and further reduce idling around Wichita schools.

A similar idle reduction strategy and education campaign is being developed for selected City of Wichita's motor pool vehicles.