Group Against Smog and Pollution, Inc. We work to improve air quality to ensure human, environmental, and economic health.
Pittsburgh has made progress to improve air quality…but More than 60% of days in 2015 were yellow days or worse. Days when air quality wasn’t good, when you need to take caution.
Why do we care? Air pollution makes people sick, shortens lives, and negatively impacts quality of life. People and companies may not want to move to a region with poor air quality? Young people may not want to stay in a city, find a job, raise a family that has poor air quality?
Misinformation 5 Most of our air pollution Our pollution comes from occurs Ohio because of topography & air inversions (not sources) We’re not as bad as we use to be, so we’re good! FALSE
Especially vulnerable
When we say air pollution what are we really concerned about? Carbon Nitrogen Lead Monoxide Dioxide Particulate Sulfur Ozone Matter Dioxide
What is particulate matter? Particulate matter (PM) includes solid and liquid droplets of various sizes suspended in air.
How small are these particles? Particles between 10 µm and 2.5 µm, often described as coarse PM (PM10), are more associated with road dust and salt (mostly primary). Particles with diameter equal to or less than 2.5 µm referred to as fine particles(PM2.5) commonly result from combustion. Particles with diameter less than 0 . 1 μm are referred to as ultrafine particles (UFP). Diesel emissions are a significant source of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere.
Sources of particulate matter
Health impacts of PM PM10 – Inflammation of respiratory system, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, coughing, reduced lung capacity PM2.5 – Heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, lung cancers PM0.1 – Brain damage, organ cancers New studies linking PM to childhood leukemia, diabetes, reduced brain function, autism
Ground level ozone Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground - level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
Top Air Toxics in our region Diesel particulate matter Formaldehyde Benzene (including benzene from gasoline) Coke oven emissions Carbon tetrachloride Acetaldehyde Arsenic compounds (inorganic, including arsine) Chromium compounds 1, 3-Butadiene
Be a Champion for Healthy Air
Inform yourself. Know the sources of pollution near you. Learn when air pollution meetings and hearings are taking place and attend.
About 30 Major Sources in Allegheny County. Any source that does or has the potential to emit large amounts of air pollutants (the limits vary by pollutant).
Having a bad air day? Download and use the new Smell PGH app, created by Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab, which allows you to report foul odors directly to the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) or Call Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) every time you smell a foul odor or when you see thick smoke coming from industry. (412) 687-ACHD or on-line: achd.net/contactAQcomplaint.html
Sign up for air quality forecasts at airnow.gov
Report Idling Diesel Vehicles.
Become a Smoke Reader This program, administered by GASP, trains citizen opacity or “smoke” readers. Training also covers how to report to the Allegheny County Health Department.
Help educate students about regional air quality Bring the EPA School Flag Program to your local school
Educating and Engaging new audiences Athletes United for Medical Healthy Air Professionals For Campaign Healthy Air
Make your voice heard Write letters to the editor Speak at public hearings Discuss with your city/county council person, state/federal representative, etc. Discuss with your friends and family Talk with your physician
Get Involved and Learn More Rachel Filippini, Director Group Against Smog and Pollution rachel@gasp-pgh.org 412-924-0604 www.gasp-pgh.org Facebook/Twitter: @GASPPgh @rachelgasp
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