What is the importance of vapor recovery in preventing air pollution?

Vapor recovery systems play a crucial role in environmental protection by reducing the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution and smog formation. VOCs are substances that easily evaporate into the air and can have significant negative impacts on air quality and human health. When fossil fuels, such as gasoline, are dispensed, they release VOCs, which can react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone—a key component of smog.

By capturing and recovering these vapors during the fuel dispensing process, vapor recovery systems prevent the release of VOCs into the atmosphere. This reduction in VOC emissions is vital for improving air quality and minimizing environmental and health issues associated with air pollution, such as respiratory problems and environmental degradation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function or impact of vapor recovery systems. Increased greenhouse gas emissions is contrary to the purpose of these systems, and while vapor recovery does not specifically target particulate matter or eliminate maintenance needs, its primary focus is on controlling and reducing VOCs to combat air pollution effectively.