What is engine idling, and why is it a concern for air quality?

What is engine idling, and why is it a concern for air quality?

• A. Turning off a vehicle's engine while parked
• B. Keeping a vehicle's engine running while parked to save fuel
• C. Keeping a vehicle's engine running while parked that contributes to pollution
• D. Idling a vehicle is beneficial for the engine

Answer: (C)

Engine idling refers to the practice of keeping a vehicle's engine running while the vehicle is parked. This behavior is a significant concern for air quality because idling engines produce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions contribute to air pollution, which can harm public health and the environment. When a vehicle is idling, it is essentially burning fuel without moving, leading to wasted resources and unnecessary emissions. Unlike the other options that either mischaracterize or minimize the impacts of idling, the correct choice highlights the direct relationship between idling and pollution. This understanding underscores the public health risks associated with prolonged idling, particularly in urban areas where air quality is already compromised. Implementing idling reduction strategies can therefore play a crucial role in improving air quality and promoting more sustainable driving practices.

Engine idling refers to the practice of keeping a vehicle's engine running while the vehicle is parked. This behavior is a significant concern for air quality because idling engines produce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions contribute to air pollution, which can harm public health and the environment. When a vehicle is idling, it is essentially burning fuel without moving, leading to wasted resources and unnecessary emissions.

Unlike the other options that either mischaracterize or minimize the impacts of idling, the correct choice highlights the direct relationship between idling and pollution. This understanding underscores the public health risks associated with prolonged idling, particularly in urban areas where air quality is already compromised. Implementing idling reduction strategies can therefore play a crucial role in improving air quality and promoting more sustainable driving practices.