What should tampering with emissions controls generally be avoided?

Tampering with emissions controls should generally be avoided because it may lead to penalties and result in environmental harm. Emissions controls are designed to minimize the amount of harmful pollutants that a small engine releases into the atmosphere. By bypassing or altering these controls, the engine may emit higher levels of toxic substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons, which can significantly degrade air quality and public health.

Regulatory agencies enforce strict laws regarding emissions, and tampering can lead to heavy fines for individuals and businesses. Furthermore, violating these regulations not only affects compliance status but also contributes to broader environmental issues such as climate change and health problems related to air pollution.

The effects of tampering can also be long-term, impacting ecosystems and contributing to the deterioration of environmental integrity. Hence, adherence to emissions regulations is crucial for both legal compliance and environmental protection, which underscores why the avoidance of tampering is important.