by: News Canada

(NC)-As the first smog alert warnings of the season approach, Canadians are being urged to use ethanol-blended fuel to alleviate the urban smog problems plaguing many parts of the country. Many regions such Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and most parts of Ontario have experienced a significant increase in the number of "smog days" in recent years and the problem is getting worse according the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. Mr. Bliss Baker, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA), suggests commuters and other motorists fill-up with ethanol-blended gasoline. "This is one way of addressing the issue of air pollution - since ethanol produces 30% less smog forming carbon monoxide than standard gasoline," said Mr. Baker.

The most commonly available ethanol-blended fuel is called E-10 - a mixture of 10% ethanol with 90% gasoline. This product, in addition to substantially reducing carbon monoxide, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 6 percent and all vehicles have warrantees for the use of E10. Using ethanol blends rather than standard gasoline also results in an overall decrease in ozone formation - the main culprit in the creation of smog.

"This is no longer an urban problem," said Mr. Baker. Many rural parts of the country are now experiencing poor air quality. The good news is there is something we can do about it," concluded Mr. Baker.

All ethanol sold in Canada is produced from agricultural products such as corn and wheat. The corn producing areas of southwestern Ontario such as the Counties of Essex and Chatham-Kent produce the majority of Ontario's ethanol while ethanol production in western Canada is produced from wheat grown throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

There are currently over 1,100 gas stations in Canada that sell ethanol- blended fuel, across the country from Alberta to Quebec. To find a station near you simply visit the Canadian Renewable Fuels website at www.greenfuels.org and search retail directory for a station near you.

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