FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
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DMV&PS ENCOURAGES DRIVERS TO

DRIVE HEALTHY 

(RENO, Nev.) – The Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV&PS) reminds drivers that properly maintained vehicles can reduce the health risks associated with air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. 

Vehicles in the Truckee Meadows emitting visible smoke contribute to 80 percent of the area’s air pollution with poorly maintained vehicles releasing as much as 10 times the emissions as a well maintained vehicle.  Studies show that these emissions release tiny particles in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs and possibly contribute to respiratory disease and other health problems. 

The three major pollutants released by poorly maintained vehicles are:

·        Hydrocarbons: Can cause eye irritation and is particularly harmful to people with asthma or emphysema, which can cause an increase in coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath and can ultimately lead to permanent lung damage.

·        Nitrogen oxide: Contributes to the formation of ozone and acid rain reducing the region’s water quality. 

·        Carbon monoxide: Reduces flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and can impair mental alertness and vision.  Studies have reported that in urban areas as much as 90 percent of carbon monoxide in the air is a result of motor vehicles

Drivers can promote healthy living and reduce the amount of pollutants in the air with proper vehicle maintenance and by reporting vehicles emitting visible exhaust by dialing 686-SMOG. 

When dialing 686-SMOG, callers should be prepared to provide the license plate number of the smoking vehicle, the approximate time the vehicle was spotted and the location of the vehicle.  All information is confidential.

The smoking vehicle program started in 1996, resulting in more than 32,000 calls over the last five years to the DMV.  The program has helped to get more than 5,000 smoking vehicles cleaned up resulting in cleaner air for the region.   

For more information on the smoking vehicle program call 1-877-DMV-STAT (1-877-368-7828) or access http://www.dmvnv.com/emission.htm.

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