BOSTON - With the onset of warmer weather, E.P.A. reminds New Englanders to be aware of the increased risk of ground-level ozone and fine particle air pollution (when combined, often referred to as smog), and take health precautions when smog levels are high. E.P.A. and states continue to offer free resources for citizens to monitor the latest air quality forecasts.
"Air pollution can have significant health impacts for people in New England," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. "People should pay attention to air quality alerts and limit strenuous outdoor activity on air quality alert days. Fortunately, we can all take individual actions to reduce the air pollution that contributes to this public health risk."
Free resources are accessible for people to access information on air quality. Daily air quality forecasts are issued by the New England state air agencies. Current air quality conditions and next day forecasts for New England are accessible each day at EPA's web site. People can also sign up to gain "Air Quality Alert" email or text messages. These alerts, provided free by E.P.A. through the EnviroFlash system, in cooperation with the New England states, automatically notify participants by e-mail or text message when high concentrations of ground-level ozone or fine particles are predicted in their area.
Warm summer temperatures aid in the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution. The current ozone standard, set in 2008, is 0.075 parts per million (ppm) on an 8-hour average basis. Air quality alerts are issued when ozone concentrations exceed, or are predicted to exceed, this level. E.P.A. recently suggested to strengthen the ozone standard, with a final decision required by Oct. 1. E.P.A. New England posts a list of exceedances of the 2008 ozone standard, by date and monitor location, on its web site.
Poor air quality affects everyone, but some people are particularly sensitive to air pollutants, including children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma. When air quality is predicted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, E.P.A. and the states will declare an air quality alert for the affected areas. E.P.A. recommends that people in these areas limit strenuous outdoor activity, as well as asking citizens and businesses to take actions on these days to help reduce air pollution and protect public health. Everyone can reduce air pollution through the following actions:
- use public transportation or walk whenever possible;
- combine errands and car-pool to reduce driving time and mileage;
- use less electricity by turning air conditioning to a higher temperature setting, and turning off lights, TVs and computers when they are not being used; and
- avoid using small gasoline-powered engines, such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, chain saws, power-washers, air compressors and leaf blowers on unhealthy air days.
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses are a major source of the pollutants that form smog. Coal burning at electric generating stations, particularly on hot days, also generates significant smog-forming pollution. Other industries, as well as smaller sources, such as gasoline stations and print shops, also contribute to smog. In addition, household products like paints and cleaners, as well as gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, also contribute to smog formation.
The federal Clean Air Act has led to significant enhancements in ozone air quality over the past 30 years and E.P.A. continues to take steps to further reduce air pollution. Since 2004, new cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks, and mini-vans are meeting stringent new vehicle emission standards. The requirements have resulted in new vehicles that are up to 95 percent cleaner than older models. Since model year 2007, large diesel trucks and buses have reduced NOx and fine particle emissions by up to 95 percent. In addition, last year, E.P.A. finalized even tighter requirements for future new cars, sold after 2017. The automobile and gasoline rule, known as Tier 3, will help lower automobile pollution by a significant margin. Compared to current automobile standards, the Tier three emissions requirements for cars represent an additional 80% reduction of ozone causing pollution when compared to today's average.
More information:
Air Quality Awareness Week http://www.epa.gov/airnow/airaware/index.html
Free Air Quality Forecasts and Alert plan http://www.epa.gov/ne/aqi
A list of ozone exceedances by date and monitor location
http://www.epa.gov/ne/airquality/o3exceed-15.html
