Health and Air Quality, New Smog Check Rules
Re “Study Correlates Smog to Heart, Lung Ailments,†Nov. 20:
After reading the article, I find it pertinent for people to realize the significance of recent discoveries. Simply stated, the studies conducted have determined that the numbers of patients with chronic lung and heart problems are increasing significantly as a result of a combination of pollutant sources.
Since arriving here in this city five years ago from Vermont, I have known about the problems of air quality only because as a high school coach the players had to hand in medical reports to me, and 70% of them had problems with asthma. I now ask myself, are these reports ever going to change for the better and not the worse?
There is only one answer to these alarming reports, and that is for everyone to come together and realize it is not getting better, but worse, and we will eventually sicken ourselves if we do not stand up fight for air quality.
JESSIE DREZNER
Los Angeles
* Re “Check Out Smog Check II,†editorial, Nov. 11:
Some people always hate change, even when it’s good for them. With changes in California’s Smog Check program, one of the most controversial aspects appears to be the requirement that the worst-polluting vehicles be tested at one of the new test-only centers, which are certified by the state. These centers do not do repairs and therefore are not tempted to make “quick fixes†or unfairly “assist†longtime customers.
I fail to see the controversy. The federal EPA originally wanted California to start a centralized, state-run test-only system that would have put California’s $480-million Smog Check industry out of business! Kudos to the state for keeping the test-only function within the private sector, resulting in the preservation of customer choice and market competition. The inconvenience some of the worst polluters may experience is a small price to pay to ensure that market forces thrive and clean-air efforts progress for us and our children.
JOHN WILSON
Auto Chek Centers
Irvine
* I am an avid supporter of Smog Check II. I’ve lived in Los Angeles almost 39 years and appreciate the positive difference in our air quality.
For safety’s sake, could we also mandate that when our vehicles are checked for emissions compliance that all the external lights (brake lights, turn signals, headlights--and aim the headlights properly, etc.) are checked and returned to working order?
MICHAEL S. GRIECO
Los Angeles
