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HS 471 AIR POLLUTION Chapter 12

HS 471 AIR POLLUTION Chapter 12. Air Pollution in Los Angeles. We have some of the worst air in the nation, and the highest number of emergency visits caused by smog and air pollution Air pollution contributes to lung disease, asthma and lung cancer.

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HS 471 AIR POLLUTION Chapter 12

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  1. HS 471 AIR POLLUTION Chapter 12

  2. Air Pollution in Los Angeles We have some of the worst air in the nation, and the highest number of emergency visits caused by smog and air pollution Air pollution contributes to lung disease, asthma and lung cancer

  3. Air Pollutants with Greatest Impact on Health-Criteria Air Pollutants- • Ozone • Carbon monoxide • Airborne particles • Nitrogen oxides • Lead • Sulfur oxides • Diesel emissions

  4. Ozone Source: • Results from the action of sunlight on hydrocarbons and NOx emitted in fuel combustion (enhanced in warm season). • Photochemical oxidant Effects: • Decrease in lung function • Inflammation of lung lining • Respiratory & eye irritation, chest pain • Associated with hospital admissions and emergency room visits

  5. Photochemical smog formation N2(car emissions) + O2 = 2 NO 2 NO + O2 2 NO2 NO2 + sunlight  NO + O O + O2 + sunlight O3 O3 + NO = NO2 + O2 NO + hydrocarbons  PAN(peroxyacetyl nitrate, VOC)

  6. Carbon Monoxide Source: Byproduct of fuel combustion Effects: • Increase in carboxyhemoglobin levels. Binds with blood hemoglobin. • Decrease oxygen supply to organs such as heart & brain • People with heart & lung disease are sensitive • May result in low birth-weight babies

  7. Airborne Particles Source: Mixture of carbon based particles, dust, aerosols Effects: • Trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals • PM10 important because is inhalable • Respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals • Severe reactions in individuals with COPD (emphysema, bronchitis) and heart disease • Associated with premature deaths • Suppress lung growth • PM 2.5 - fine particles easily inhaled and absorbed – mortality risk – new EPA standards 1997

  8. Nitrogen Dioxide Source: Fuel combustion from vehicles and industries. Effects: • Lung irritation (10 x less potent than ozone) • Lower resistance to respiratory infections • Acute respiratory illness in children • Greenhouse gas

  9. Lead Source: Leaded gasoline was an important source but was phased out in 1990s. Effects in children even at low levels: • Developmental problems • Lower IQ • Behavioral problems

  10. Sulfur Dioxide Source: Fuel combustion of coal and oil in industries/electric utilities, and diesel fuel Effects: • Respiratory irritation • Lower resistance to respiratory infections • Airway constriction in asthmatics • Increase severity of asthma attacks

  11. Diesel Emissions Source: Fuel combustion from trucks, buses, construction equipment and electric utilities Carbon-containing compounds with carcinogens (PAHs) Effects: • Sequester in lungs • Cancer • Trigger asthma attacks • Respiratory irritation • Lung inflammation • Airway constriction in asthmatics • Increase severity of asthma attacks

  12. Air Pollution Episodes Great London Smog, 1952: 1st episode Meuse River Belgium 1970, 3 day inversion, 60 deaths Donora Pennsylvania 1948, 5 day inversion, 20 deaths

  13. Thermal Inversion

  14. Thermal Inversion, Los Angeles

  15. Source: (September 14, 2003)

  16. 1963 first passed – addressed interstate pollution 1970 amendment – first comprehensive program for nationwide air pollution program 1990 Bush – expanded scope: Emission Limitations for New Stationary Sources of Pollution established New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for factories and power plants to ensure compliance when newly constructed. Strict emission standards for automobiles: new fuel standards; auto and inspection maintenance programs Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP): set emission limitations for all major sources of any of the 188 toxics targeted by Congress. Established heath-based standards for chemicals known to cause cancer Clean Air Act

  17. pH < 5 carbon dioxide dissolved in water Sulfur dioxide Nitrogen oxides Damages ecosystems, structures, crops Acid Rain

  18. They inhale more air per unit body weight They have narrower airways They spend more time outdoors They exert themselves harder than adults during outdoor activities They often participate in organized activities They do not necessarily understand biological warning signs They are growing and developing Children are more susceptible to air pollution than adults

  19. The Children’s Health Study • Air Resources Board, USC • 1992+ • 6,000 children in 12 communities followed from 4th grade until high school graduation • Findings: • Air pollution has long-term health effects on children • Children in high ozone areas develop asthma • Children in high PM, NO2 and acid vapors areas develop more slowly • Days with higher ozone resulted in higher school absences due to respiratory illness • Children in high PM areas develop bronchitis

  20. Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District (April 30, 2002)

  21. AIR QUALITY UPDATE The following table summarizes the South Coast Air Quality Management District's 1-hour ozone air quality for the current year and the previous year to this date, in terms of the number of days exceeding the Federal 1-hour ozone standard (exceeding 120 ppb) and the maximum ozone concentration measured. REGION: DATEof latestinformation 2003 (Year-to-Date)* 2002 (Year-to-Date) # of DaysAbove FederalOzone Standard OzoneMaximum(ppb) # of DaysAbove FederalOzone Standard OzoneMaximum(ppb) * Note that all 2003 data used in this report are preliminary and are subject to change in the validation process. South Coast Air District 10-23-2003 66 216 49 169 Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District (October 23, 2002)

  22. Important Indoor Sources of Air Pollution • Radon gas • Products of combustion • Formaldehyde • Chemical fumes and particles • Biological pollutants Sick Building Syndrome

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