Families Against Cancer and Toxins
Submitted by:
Terry Nordbrock, President
Mary Carol Wagner, Director
Families Against Cancer & Toxics (FACT) urges a “yes” vote on the Regional Transportation Authority’s plan. Our organization seeks to improve public health by reducing exposures to known carcinogens and toxic substances.
Approximately 60% of Tucson’s air pollution such as particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide come from on-road motor vehicles. That is over 930,000 pounds per day in Pima County! Vehicles emit benzene, a known carcinogen, and a host of other toxic substances not measured in these numbers. These emissions are the major cause of the brown cloud that hovers over Tucson.
In 2003, Tucson was rated as the nation’s most challenging “hot spot” for asthma. Air pollution especially harms those of us with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, plus our young children and senior citizens — a large percentage of our population!
Currently Tucsonans drive over 22 million miles a day. This plan will reduce pollution because we will have real options besides single-occupancy cars and trucks. This plan will revolutionize Sun Tran, give us the Modern Streetcar, give us 550 miles of additional bike lanes and paths, give us 250 miles of sidewalks, and 80 pedestrian crossings.
The plan also includes several strategies for reducing idling times. An idling car emits 12 times the amount of carbon monoxide pollution than one traveling at 30 mph. There will be 200 bus pullouts, 200 intersection improvements to reduce idling times, and railway overpasses at Ina and Ruthrauff.
While this plan is not the perfect solution to heavily polluting vehicle traffic, it is an important step in the right direction, and will improve the health and quality of life for residents of Pima County.
