The Problem With Engine Idling Vehicle idling contributes to air pollution and increased health risks to the children in our region. Ironically, one of the areas where unnecessary engine idling is found is at school drop off and pick up areas. Consider this - just one vehicle dropping off and picking up one child at one school puts about three pounds of pollution into the air per month. In addition, idling consumes from ½ gallon to one gallon of fuel per hour, and uses more fuel than turning off and on the vehicle engine. Help improve air quality and reduce health risks by turning off your vehicle’s engine in school zones, at ATM machines, at drive-thru lanes, and while running into a dry cleaner or other place of business. The simple but critical change in behavior of idling your vehicle no longer than one minute, will help improve the air quality in your neighborhoods and the air your children breathe. Green Patrol Students participating in the Green Patrol program will encourage parents/guardians picking up children from school to avoid unnecessary engine idling. Drivers who know they will be waiting longer than one minute should turn off their engine. Students will help encourage this by wearing Green Patrol jerseys and carrying a No Idle Zone sign. Idling Reduction Fact Sheet Each of us takes 20,000 breaths each day. The average American breathes 3,400 gallons of air a day. Children breathe 50% more air per pound than adults. Vehicle exhaust is the leading source of air pollution in the San Antonio area. Idling consumes ½ gallon to 1 gallon of fuel per hour and wastes more fuel than turning off and on your vehicle engine. It is more efficient to turn off most warmed-up vehicles than to idle for more than one minute. A single vehicle dropping off and picking up kids at one school puts three pounds of pollution into the air per month. Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of blood to bring oxygen to body cells and tissues. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Children’s asthma symptoms increase as a result of car exhaust. Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the cause of most school absences. The risk of death is 17% larger in higher polluted areas. Start a Green Patrol Program Outreach staff will work with schools directly to implement this program. All of our materials are free–we are here to help. Contact Andrew Hudgins or Brenda Williams at (210) 227-7665 for more information. Back

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Natural Resources Outreach Brenda Williams Projects Manager Alamo Area Council of Governments 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 362-5200

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