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Drive Clean Texas event a reminder on significance of vehicle pollution

Posted at 9:58 PM, Jun 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-16 22:58:26-04

The Texas Department of Transportation reminded Coastal Bend residents to be aware of the emissions released by their cars for their Drive Clean Texas event.

To demonstrate the effect of emissions from cars, TXDoT set up a special dome around a car. Inside, trapped gasses quickly filled the dome with haze.

"It’s very important because we’re breathing all of this stuff in," said Erika Mendez with Drive Clean Texas. "Everyday that we are emissioning (sic) our vehicles, we’re breathing all that in and actually polluting the air for our children."

The message was clear: vehicle emissions can have a profound impact on our environment and our health; especially during the summer months when ozone formation is more common. In some areas, ozone can make up half of all air pollution.

So, what can you do to help? TXDoT said, for starters, never "top off" your gas tank. And, always gas up in the morning or evening.

For more tips and info, visit DriveCleanTexas.org.