http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png http://jalopnik.com/tag/air pollution http://jalopnik.com/tag/air pollution

Like Los Angeles, Chile's capital is particularly prone to generating dense low-level smog. Santiago smog is not a meteorological abstraction but something you can easily see from a plane window. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5723334&view=rss&microfeed=true

Driving across the recently rebuilt I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, one may notice what appear to be fluid-looking sculptures rising up from the concrete center median. In fact, the structures — shaped like the international symbol for "river" — are pollution-control devices, cast from concrete that actually catalyzes oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide using the UV rays from sunlight. The pillars work in a fashion similar to the automotive catalytic converter, but at a much lower temperature. Made from photocatalytic concrete produced by Cemstone, the material has the added benefits of remaining bright white thanks to the catalytic process, and converting pollutants into salt — good for keeping snow and ice melted off the bridge during the 11-month Minneapolis winter. [KSTP via PopMech] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5060979&view=rss&microfeed=true

The Detroit News reports on a major emissions-limiting ruling by the EPA Thursday that will affect recreational boats and outdoor power equipment with engines smaller than 25 HP. Small engines, such as those found on boats and lawnmowers, are essentially unregulated, making up as much as 25% of current yearly US CO emissions. The new ruling will require a significant reduction in that output, likely necessitating the use of catalytic converters and other pollution control devices. Boat engines will have to meet the new standards starting in 2010, while your lawnmower won't come with an air pump, EGR valve and catalyst until 2011. Hopefully it'll run right on E10 gasoline by then too. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5045841&view=rss&microfeed=true

Chinese restrictions on truck traffic and chemical transport during the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics are forcing plant cutbacks among local automakers, reports Automotive News China. The restrictions have forced Beijing Hyundai and supplier Visteon, among other automotive factories, to reduce shifts and temporarily close factories, putting the kibosh on any Great Leaps Forward, at least during the games. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=400323&view=rss&microfeed=true