In its first year, the new, cleaner fuel will reduce smog producing emissions by 305,000 tons, which is the equivalent of removing 8.1 million cars from U.S. roads. Nearly 1.3 million tons of smog-producing emissions will be removed from the air in the first five years. By the year 2000, reformulated gasoline will reduce toxic emissions by 20 to 22 percent and nitrogen oxides by five to seven percent. EPA said vehicle emissions are estimated to be responsible for at least half of all toxic air pollution. Nationally, they also contribute 36 percent of the volatile organic compounds in the air and about 45 percent of nitrogen oxides, the two primary pollutants that form urban ozone, or smog.
Ozone is a severe irritant that damages lung tissue and aggravates respiratory diseases.
Exposure to elevated levels may cause permanent lung damage. Toxic air pollutants are associated with elevated risk of cancer. The Clean Air Act requires reformulated gasoline in the nine areas with the highest levels of ozone. If all eligible areas join the program, reformulated gasoline would account for about 35 percent of U.S. gasoline sales. In addition to the nine high- level ozone areas where the fuel will be required in 14 states and the District of Columbia, other areas are included in the program.