Pursuant to 1995 Public Law 157, and the adoption of amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:27- 14: Control and Prohibition of Air Pollution from Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicles and N.J.A.C. 7:27B-4: Air Test Method 4: Testing Procedures for Motor Vehicles, New Jersey implemented its Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Program (HDDVIP) in two phases for non-diesel bus or school bus vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of greater than 8,500 lbs. Phase One introduced a roadside enforcement program with an enhanced variant of the existing self-inspection program as well as a mechanism to provide for voluntary inspections. Phase Two commenced with a periodic exhaust emissions test conducted by licensed inspection centers, and maintains the roadside enforcement program.

TOXIC EMISSIONS

A recently released final report by the USEPA listed diesel exhaust as a probable cause of lung cancer. It is also associated with increase risk of asthma and other breathing related illnesses. Both USEPA and the California Air Resources Board have declared diesel exhaust a toxic substance.

Diesel soot particles, and the chemicals that adhere to them (such as benzene) are the cause of the problem. Sulfur in the fuel helps to form soot particles. Too much fuel causes the large black particles we can see. The large particles, called PM10 (particulate matter, over 10 microns in diameter), once ingested, can be mostly expelled from the body, when caught by your natural air filtration system. Small particles, called PM2.5 (2.5 microns or less in diameter), can become trapped in the body, and cannot be expelled. In general, particulates cause breathing problems, and the associated chemicals may cause other physiologic illnesses. Diesel engines also produce nitrogen oxides, which help to form ozone, which is also a contributing cause of breathing illnesses.

The risk of health effects include: increased incidence of asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing related illnesses, increased emergency room visits, and increased mortality. Risk increases with increased exposure to diesel exhaust.

For more information on diesel exhaust and health issues, follow these links:

Asthma - http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/airtoxics/asthma.htm

Diesel emissions - http://www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/airtoxics/diesemis.htm

CARB Diesel Toxic Assessment - http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/summary/dieselex/dieselex.htm

California's Diesel Risk Reduction Program - http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/dieselrrp.htm

USPEAs Health Assessment Document for Diesel Exhaust -
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=29060