Diesels cars: benefits, risks, and public policy. [report of NRC study committee]

Book · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5713848

This report deals with dimensions of the problem of motor vehicle emissions that were not as forcefully evident in the early 1970s - notably, public demand for diesel-powered passenger automobiles and small trucks with high fuel efficiency to offset the rising price of motor fuels and government concern that diesel-exhaust fumes contain particulates and chemicals that may be harmful to humans and their environment. Indeed, as diesel engines replace conventional gasoline engines in new automobiles and lightweight trucks, the United States is experiencing one of the most important changes in the history of automotive technology. The study was undertaken to inform the three government bodies, along with the U.S. Congress, the automobile industry, and the American public, about diesel-engine emissions and thier control as well as the other implications of a large increase in the number of light-duty diesel vehicles. The committee does not consider that commitment is warranted now to the 0.2 g/mi standard for post-1984 diesel cars. Only a relatively small number of diesel-powered cars will be made and sold in the next few years, so the benefits and risks will appear slowly. Exposure to diesel emissions, for instance, will be at a low level for some years, with small risks to humans and the ecosystem. Meanwhile, within the next two to five years, additional information and understanding of health and environmental effects are likely to be forthcoming. In two to five years, a more-informed decision can be made about the impacts of dieselization.

• OSTI ID: 5713848
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330102 -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Diesel
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
AUTOMOBILES
DIESEL ENGINES
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENGINES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
PUBLIC POLICY
RISK ASSESSMENT
VEHICLES