Lane County Adopts Benzene Reduction Policy

Press Release:

Lane County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt policies that urge county employees and residents to reduce motor idling time to ten seconds and to not top off gas tanks. The vote took place during their regular Wednesday board meeting. The new policy helps government employees, businesses and residents to learn about using simple strategies to improve health and air quality in our community.

The policy adoption comes just as Gov. Ted Kulongoski proclaimed the week of Sept. 17-23 “Pollution Prevention Week” in Oregon, stating that preventing pollution “protect the health and safety of workers, strengthen our community, and provide an assurance for our future.”

“Lane County’s Health Advisory Committee recommended this policy because parts of Lane County has benzene levels in the air that are ten times over the state’s health standards,” said Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of the Oregon Toxics Alliance who presented information about the presence of harmful toxics such as benzene in local air to county officials. “Breathing or absorbing benzene increases a person’s risk of leukemia and contributes to the gases that cause climate change.”

With encouragement from the Alliance, Lane County government and 4-J school district have adopted recommendations to reduce emissions of benzene, a known carcinogen. The Board of Commissioners in Multnomah County already adopted the recommended benzene reduction policy in July.



A fact sheet published by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality states that Oregon has some of the highest reported levels of benzene in the United States and gasoline is the major source of the problem. People are exposed to benzene emissions from breathing automobile exhaust and the fumes from the transfer of gasoline at gas stations.

The County resolution encourages employees and residents take two simple actions that can cut down on the amount of benzene inadvertently release into the air. The first action, “Turn Your Key – Be Idle Free” reminds car owners to turn off the motor after 20 seconds of idling. Not topping off the gas tank at gas stations is another way to eliminate benzene emissions.

Due to fuel injection and other computerized advances in engine technology, cars no longer need to be “warmed up” to get started on a cold day. Also, according to the Ford Motor Company and the American Automobile Association, frequently restarting the engine does not cause wear and tear on the starter and ignition.

Topping off the gas tank can harm the valve inside the gas tank and allow gas to leak out as the vehicle drives away. This leaves a trail of benzene fumes in the car’s wake.

“We recommended these simple actions to the Board of Commissioners to highlight the problem and have a positive effect on public health,” said Jim Goes, chair of the Lane County Health Advisory Committee. “I’m pleased that they are considering enacting policies and raising awareness that lead towards healthier air.”

credit: Lisa Arkin, executive director for Oregon Toxics Alliance