Dear “Earth Talk”: How many Americans are
adversely affected by air pollution, and what can we do to improve air
quality? — Tom Weaver, Sioux City, Iowa
According to the State of
the Air 2005 report, published by the
American Lung Association, air-pollution levels improved in many parts of
the nation during the first few years of the new millennium, but millions
of Americans still face dangerous levels of air pollution. The ALA report highlights the sad fact that, despite
pro-environmental sentiment and strong regulations, more than half of the
U.S. population lives in counties with unsafe levels of either smog or
particle pollution. Smog is the worst offender and is often directly
responsible for cases of decreased lung function, respiratory infection,
lung inflammation, and aggravation of respiratory illness. Some 142.7
million Americans live in counties given failing grades by the ALA for this
airborne pollutant. Meanwhile, another 76.5 million Americans live in
areas where they are exposed to unhealthy short-term levels of particle
pollution. Children and the elderly are especially at risk. Short-term, or
acute, exposure to particle pollution has been linked to increases in the
incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and emergency-department visits for
asthma and cardiovascular disease. Particle pollution is most dangerous to
those already with asthma, heart disease, bronchitis, and emphysema. The ALA’s annual tally of America’s air
pollution is based on readings from air-quality monitors in every county in
the nation. The organization is working hard to protect the Clean Air Act
from the budget-cutting efforts of several key lawmakers. It is also
engaged in a vigorous campaign to force the cleanup of the country’s
dirtiest power plants. Old coal-fired power plants are among the biggest
industrial contributors to unhealthy air, especially particle pollution in
the eastern United States. Individuals can help improve air quality by cutting
down on driving so as to reduce vehicle exhaust and by refraining from
burning wood or trash that sends particle pollution into the air. The ALA
also suggests getting involved in community reviews of air-pollution plans
and supporting state and local efforts to clean up air pollution. Urging
members of Congress to protect the Clean Air Act is another way for
individuals to get involved.
For more information: American Lung Association,
www.lungaction.org.
Send questions to “Earth Talk” in care of E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; or e-mail earthtalk@emagazine.com.
This article appears in Jan 5-11, 2006.
