Take a Deep Breath - The State of the Air
Preventing and Mitigating Air Pollution
“The fog closed over Donora on the morning of Tuesday, October 26th. The weather was raw, cloudy, and dead calm, and it stayed that way as the fog piled up all that day and the next. By Thursday, it had stiffened adhesively into a motionless clot of smoke. That afternoon, it was just possible to see across the street, and, except for the stacks, the mills had vanished. The air began to have a sickening smell, almost a taste. It was the bittersweet reek of sulphur dioxide. Everyone who was out that day remarked on it, but no one was much concerned. The smell of sulphur dioxide, a scratchy gas given off by burning coal and melting ore, is a normal concomitant of any durable fog in Donora. This time it merely seemed more penetrating than usual.”
This is how Berton Roueche described the Donora Smog Incident of 1948 - what the New York Times called one of the worst air pollution disasters in U.S. history. In a chapter called, “The Fog”, from his classic medical detective book, Eleven Blue Men, Roueche told the story of how the disaster unfolded and the subsequent clinical, environmental, and meteorological investigations that ensued. There is a Donora Smog Museum about the incident, an air inversion of smog that killed 20 people and caused respiratory problems for 6,000 of the 14,000 people living in Donora, Pennsylvania, a mill town on the Monongahela River 24 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
A sign at the front of the Museum reads, "Clean Air Started Here." As a result of this incident, the United States conducted the first extensive epidemiological study of an environmental health crisis. Higher than anticipated rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease were seen in the area in the ten years that followed the smog, raising concerns about the long-term repercussions of the pollution.
October 30, 1948 - The smog darkens the day in Donora, Pennsylvania
Air Pollution in the United States
After World War II, the U.S. saw a significant population increase and rapid urbanization and industrialization. This led to a surge in the number of vehicles on the roads, resulting in severe air pollution across cities like Los Angeles and New York City. In response to the public health crisis posed by air pollution, Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1963, with significant amendments in 1970 that established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air pollutant emissions.
In the United States, air pollution encompasses a myriad of contaminants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ozone (O3). Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solids and aerosols, consisting of small droplets of liquid, dry solid fragments, and solid cores with liquid coatings. It varies in size, shape, and chemical composition, and can contain inorganic ions, metallic compounds, elemental carbon, organic compounds, and earth's crust compounds. PM can be emitted directly from sources or formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases.
PM10 (particles 10 microns or less) and PM2.5 (particles 2.5 microns or less) are inhalable into the lungs. PM2.5 can get into the bloodstream through the lungs. Both can cause adverse health effects. PM10 and PM2.5 are often derived from different emissions sources and chemical compositions. PM10 includes dust from construction sites, landfills, agriculture, wildfires, industrial sources, wind-blown dust, pollen, and bacteria fragments. Emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood produce PM2.5 as well as PM10
Size Comparison for PM Particles
Pollutants emanate from various sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, power plants, agriculture, and wildfires. The Clean Air Act regulations have led to a substantial decrease in emissions of these pollutants. nitrogen oxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide, thanks to the implementation of emission-lowering technologies like catalytic converters.
The health consequences of air pollution are profound and wide-ranging. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to polluted air can trigger or exacerbate respiratory ailments such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, it has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, adverse birth outcomes, and even premature death. A recent study estimated that air pollution contributes to over 200,000 premature deaths annually in the United States.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of air pollution. Prolonged exposure to pollutants can impair lung function in children, stunt cognitive development, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Similarly, older adults face heightened risks of cardiovascular complications and respiratory ailments due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Health Impact of Air Pollution
The Clean Air Act has been hailed as a success story, with notable reductions in sulfur dioxide and lead emissions, leading to improvements in air quality and public health. The economic benefits of the Act have also been significant, with estimates suggesting savings of trillions of dollars in health, welfare, environmental, and productivity costs. Contrary to concerns about negative economic impacts, the Act has demonstrated that environmental protection can go hand in hand with economic growth and improved quality of life.
Where Are We Today?
New EPA Plan to Limit Particulate Matter
On February 7, the EPA announced stricter limits on PM2.5 pollution, reducing the annual limit from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. This change aims to address the health risks associated with tiny particles, such as soot, which can lead to serious illnesses like asthma and heart attacks. The new standards are expected to prevent thousands of premature deaths and reduce healthcare costs significantly by 2032. While the regulations won't eliminate existing disparities in air quality, they are likely to benefit communities currently facing the worst pollution levels.
The EPA's decision to tighten limits on PM2.5 pollution is a crucial step towards reducing the health risks associated with air pollution. By addressing the sources of these tiny particles and implementing stricter regulations, the agency aims to improve air quality and protect public health, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
The Good Neighbor Plan
Last year, the EPA introduced the Good Neighbor Plan to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution from industrial facilities in 23 "upwind" states, reducing premature deaths, emergency room visits, and asthma symptoms. Arguments on this plan were heard in the Supreme Court on February 21. States objecting to the federal government's approach cited time constraints and argued that robust EPA interventions violate state’s rights and impose substantial costs. The EPA already lost a significant Supreme Court case about air pollution in 2022. The Court ruled that Congress did not grant the EPA authority to cap greenhouse gas emissions by shifting energy production from coal-burning to cleaner sources like solar and wind power. The ruling was a setback in efforts to combat climate change.
Preventing and Mitigating Air Pollution and Its Consequences
While the battle against air pollution is far from won, concerted efforts at the individual, community, and governmental levels offer glimmers of hope. As stewards of the environment and architects of our health, individuals wield considerable influence in curbing air pollution through simple yet impactful measures.
1. Embrace Clean Transportation - Transitioning away from fossil fuel-dependent modes of transportation can significantly reduce emissions. Opting for public transit, carpooling, cycling, or walking not only reduces one's carbon footprint but also alleviates traffic congestion and improves air quality. The proliferation of electric vehicles presents a promising avenue for decarbonizing the transportation sector and mitigating air pollution.
2. Promote Renewable Energy - Shifting towards renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, and hydropower can help displace carbon-intensive fossil fuels and mitigate air pollution from power generation. Communities and individuals can advocate for policies that incentivize renewable energy deployment, bolster energy efficiency, and foster a transition toward a low-carbon economy.
3. Adopt Sustainable Practices - Embracing sustainable practices in everyday life, such as energy conservation, recycling, and reducing waste, can attenuate the environmental footprint and mitigate air pollution. Simple actions, such as properly maintaining vehicles, minimizing idling, and using energy-efficient appliances, can collectively yield substantial reductions in emissions.
4. Advocate for Policy Reform - Meaningful progress in combating air pollution necessitates robust policy interventions at the local, state, and federal levels. Advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening air quality standards, regulating emissions from industrial sources, and promoting clean energy initiatives can foster a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Climate change is exacerbating the air pollution problem. Still, we can prevent and mitigate. Our goal should be a world where everyone can breathe clear air.
One Last Thing - Know Your AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to warn the public about dangerous air pollution levels, including ozone and particle pollution. It is reported in newspapers, radio, television, and websites year-round. AQI levels are measured daily and ranked on a scale from 0 for perfect air to 500 for immediate danger. The AQI breaks air pollution levels into six categories, each with a name, an associated color, and advice. AQI values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, increasing the risk of health harm. To protect yourself and your family, be aware of high pollution days and take steps to protect yourself. Children, younger adults, pregnant or chronically ill individuals, and those spending time outdoors are at higher risk. Adjust your plans if the air quality forecast is code orange or worse and avoid outdoor activities depending on your health status.
