Options for Coping with Toxic Diesel Smoke Today

Various options are available for addressing the growing problem of diesel exhaust. Some methods of filtering soot particulates have proved to be effective, but with severe restrictions. Other options, such as using Ultra Low-Sulfur Fuel or Bio diesel reduces toxic air bourne particulates, but is considerably more expensive than regular diesel, and tends to jell in the winter, clogging fuel lines. Considering all viable options for controlling diesel exhaust, this includes:

  • Extraction Hose Systems
  • Alternative Engines, Hybrids
  • High-Octane Ultra Low-Sulfur Fuel
  • Fuel additives for cleaner combustion
  • Unenforceable Motor Idle Restrictions
  • Ceiling Ventilator Cabinets to keep the Building Walls Cleaner
  • Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) on board

Suck away hose systems consist of a long hose and an electric (or gasoline) powered fan. Engine exhaust is "sucked away" from the tailpipe of the vehicle then usually released outdoors through the hose system. Suck away hose systems take up aisle space. Systems permanently imbedded into the structure, sometimes cause building modifications needed to support hose weight and power to operate the fans.

Many fire stations still use suck away hose systems that cause problems when vehicles arrive and depart. On arrival, smoking vehicles back into the station where someone must attach the hose and breath the fumes. On departure someone must detach the hose and breath fumes. As it happens, those who must attach the hoses are directly exposed to high concentration of unburned hydrocarbons.

Cleaner burning Ultra Low-Sulfur fuel emits less hazardous particulates into the air. Utilizing ULSF can considerably impact the cost of operation. Smoke Blotter® emission control systems do not require the use of cleaner fuel - welcome news for operations where ULSF is not available. Of course, burning cleaner fuel will improve the effectiveness and increase the life of any exhaust filter. Smoke Blotter®, Inc. highly recommends the use of low sulfur fuels in all diesel engines.

Other alternate energy solutions are on the way but they have not arrived, despite cavalier marketing claims and fierce legislative timetables, and they may not arrive for some time. In the meantime, many people are living or working in unnecessarily unhealthy conditions. Examples vulnerable to potential health hazards include fire fighters, toll collectors, construction workers, auto mechanics, warehouse men, school children on buses, farmers, miners, and so on.

Most other solutions have been difficult to develop and will ultimately be expensive to implement. The real and immediate need is to reduce toxins and eliminate particulate from vehicles while operating near people. For example, engine exhaust emissions are a bigger problem in more populated areas and more deadly in confined spaces than outdoors.

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