Friday, March 16, 2012

RESEARCH PAPER DRAFT


this is a very short, very rough draft of a research paper that i'm starting on. we were asked to post our progress on our blogs to receive feedback. so if you are in my class, feel free to pass along some constructive criticism! if not—participate as well! or not. your choice.


Diesel And It’s Effects On The Environment And Our Health
Despite the fact that the majority of our products (and commercial/construction uses) are transported by vehicles powered by diesel, the short and long term adverse effects of its continued misuse far outweigh the benefits. Although new types of diesel have been implemented, it has been found that this diesel’s, as well as older diesel’s, exhaust contains carcinogens dangerous to our health. Certain occupations which are more readily exposed to diesel exhaust have shown a higher number of health related issues. A basic understanding of the types of diesel fuels, the malpractices of those who operate diesel powered machinery, and the ways we can positively alter those practices, will help make it clear that diesel is a fuel that should be more restricted.
Types of diesel fuel
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Carcinogens and other particles found in diesel exhaust
Diesel exhaust contains millions of very fine particles which are toxic air contaminants. These toxic particles are known as diesel particulate matter. To analyze the contents found in the diesel exhaust, it is important to know how diesel engines operate. Diesel engines differ from gasoline engines in the fact that they don’t rely on a spark-ignition system. Diesel engines compress air which through the process heats it up, and then inject fuel into the compressed air. This is called a fuel-mixture. When there isn’t enough oxygen for the engine to burn, the unburnt fuel is ejected in a cloud of exhaust. In general, this unburnt fuel is referred to as black carbon.
Studies have shown that diesel particulate matter can be made up of a variety of different chemical components. Many of these chemical components are cancer causing agents, which are called carcinogens. The most common carcinogens found in diesel exhaust are arsenic (a lethal poison,) benzene (which is often found in coal tar and petroleum,) and formaldehyde (a preservative used on cadavers.) All of these carcinogens are floating inside of the dark cloud of exhaust spewed by diesel machinery. 
Effects on specific occupations

Malpractices of operators and their solutions
Old adage says that a diesel vehicle must be left running in order to keep the engine on. This is false and is actually a violation of the law in Chicago. When a vehicle is left running at a stand-still it is said that this vehicle is idling. A report from the Chicago Tribune targets this behavior and found that outside of baseball games where the charter busses were waiting to transport the teams, the level of diesel particulate matter was much greater than the surrounding air. The City of Chicago has implemented laws in order to discourage idling your vehicle. A fine of $250 is issued for idling. There are, however, exceptions to this rule which are: cars in traffic, and when the outside temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In the State of Oregon, another malpractice is being deterred.
When a diesel operator gives the engine too much fuel, not all of it can be burnt up quick enough resulting in a dark black cloud. This cloud can be conjured up on accident or by the intent of the driver. Clearly there is an issue when a driver is purposefully spewing carcinogens and black carbon into the air around us. Oregon State law states that if a cloud of smoke is visible for more than seven seconds then a fine is issued.

9 comments:

  1. Wow! i didn't think there could be so much information on diesel fuel exhaust :). I think you have a good base in which to write your paper, you obviously know your topic very well. I'm unsure if that first paragraph has your actually thesis in it, it's hard to tell if it's all of it or some, perhaps you can just work on focusing that, and making it more clear.

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    1. thanks! it definitely is a little foggy. i'm still not quite sure what i want my thesis to contain since there is so much that i want to cover so i just went for the shotgun approach!

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  2. I think you have a great topic! And it looks like you are very interested in it so that will make it a lot easier to write. I am really impressed with all the information you have on you topic, it looks like the making of a really great essay. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

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    1. thanks, Unknown! it is a topic that is near and dear to my heart! ha..

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    2. sorry haha it's christian!! lakers lover blog

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  3. Wow. Very well done Clay. I was surprised to hear in class that you were going to try to get eight pages on this topic, but it appears you definitely have the drive to do it. This looks really good, keep it up.

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  4. Wow, this is really well done. I know diesel smoke is bad for human breathing, but I don't exactly agree with issuing fines based on its use. Diesel fuels are necessary for just about everything. No transportation that we use today doesn't involve diesel. I personally enjoy the feeling of blowing smoke out of your exhaust pipe in order to smoke someone out. I think it's really funny! This is a constant practice in my family. Maybe its because big trucks are the coolest things ever! Not to mention that were from backwoods Idaho. I love big trucks almost as much as you love Apple. :) I might camp out for a new model someday when I have money to spend on them. Anyway, your paper is really well done! I'm just biased against it! :)

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  5. Great Job!! You really have a lot of research specified and are really "passionate" if you will, about your topic. I can tell you feel very strongly toward diesel smoke and its harm to the environment. If really great that you chose a topic that you know you will be strongly arguing. Awesome start Clay!

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  6. Clay, while reading this I just pictured how worked up you got while talking about this subject. You chose a topic that you are passionate about which is good. It sounds like you have researched a lot and learned a lot about diesel trucks. I thought it sounded great, and flowed well.

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