Metro pollution level four times higher than WHO limit

Ever wondered why you're having difficulty breathing in Metro Manila? The World Health Organization (WHO) says air pollution in the metropolis is four times higher than the tolerable limit.

And the main culprits, experts said, are the hundreds of thousands of motor vehicles in Metro Manila's streets.

"Motor vehicles are the leading source of air pollution," said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its latest report.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) revealed that there are about 1.2 million registered motor vehicles in the country, more than half of which are in Metro Manila. And this number is growing by approximately 10 percent each year.

With the emissions from these vehicles alone, it is estimated that the air pollution in the metropolis will double in a matter of years.

This revelation has prompted local agencies to devise means of reducing deadly emissions from motor vehicles.

The soon-to-be-implemented Clean Air Act of 1991 is expected to eliminate smoke belching by the year 2003. Those tasked to implement the law starting July said vehicles' emission can be substantially reduced if only motorists will be responsible enough in the use of their cars.

An inter-agency committee composed of officials from the DENR, LTO and local government units has drawn up some guidelines to involve motorists in the drive to curb air pollution.

A member of the agency said the key to smoke-less vehicles is efficient engine maintenance to enable it to use fuel such as gasoline or diesel to the fullest.

"The main cause of pollution is incompletely burned fuel," he said.

The committee has issued the following pointers to help motorists maintain efficient and less polluting vehicles.

* Regularly tune up your engine. Any engine, be it gasoline or diesel, needs regular tune-ups to remain efficient.

* Keep your engine at its normal idling speed. The so-called warming up of the engine does not help the engine a bit. It is a waste of fuel and a cause of pollution.

* Don't overspeed. The most fuel-efficient speed is between 75 to 90 kph. Driving at speeds more or less this bracket results in less kilometers traveled for the same amount of fuel burned.

* Plan your trips. Plan it in such a way that you will avoid being caught in heavy traffic. Know your regular routes, too, and always have an alternate route in mind.

* Know when to shift to higher gear without placing too much stress on the engine. Driving in lower gears uses more fuel.

* Gas up in the morning. Filling your fuel tank when it is cool will result in your being able to load about three to six percent more fuel.

The inter-agency committee noted that these tips will not only help reduce air pollution but also make motorists save on fuel costs. "With the almost-regular increase in fuel prices, it is wise to maintain an efficient engine," it said. "It will not only save you money, it may even save your life."