Trucks are a major source of smog, of toxic chemical pollution, and of fine particle soot linked to cancer and respiratory problems. It doesn't have to be this way. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has an opportunity to make big trucks cleaner. That includes everything from some of today's largest pickup trucks to the biggest of big-rigs. Big trucks are legally allowed to emit as much pollution as several dozen of today's cars.
Diesel soot is a toxic air pollutant linked to human cancer.
A new analysis by state and local clean air regulators concludes that more than 125,000 Americans will get cancer from diesel fumes. Other studies have linked diesel exhaust to the development of asthma. In many cities, diesel exhaust is the biggest source of fine particulate soot. Starting in 1994, many new middle-sized trucks started using a device called an oxidation catalyst. But the pollution standards are so weak that even these trucks don't have to use exhaust pollution control equipment anymore.