goofyforlife
Sit down if you're not a Grown-Up Princess
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Failing air
Baltimore/Washington metro area among 10 worst regions for pollutionOriginally published May 02, 2008
The Baltimore/Washington metro area made two top 10 lists this week, and the findings might make you want to hold your breath.
The region ranked ninth in the nation for most ozone pollution and 10th for most short-term particle pollution in the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report.
Though the region has improved its air quality nearly fourfold over the past 10 years, recording an average of 11 high-ozone days per year in the last three years compared to 41 in 1998, the area still received an overall F grade. Failing grades are given to cities that record nine or more high-ozone days, including at least one at an extremely elevated level.
Both ozone, an invisible gas that forms when sunlight reacts with greenhouse gases such as car exhaust, and particle pollution can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses and even death, especially among high-risk groups, including asthmatics and those with emphysema or cardiovascular disease.
Frederick County is home to nearly 20,000 asthmatics and more than 75,000 people at high risk for developing pollution-related respiratory illnesses, according to the report's website. (WAY TO GO FREDNECK!!!!!!!!)
The county itself fared a bit better than the overall region, recording only six high-ozone days last year and garnering anoverall C grade.
Because of the time required to collect data for the study, this year's report is based on the EPA's 1997 standard for ozone levels instead of the new, stricter standard announced March 12. Considering the new standards, officials believe the air pollution outlook is even worse than the report shows.
California cities occupied nearly half the spots on the three lists, but for the first time ever, a city outside the Golden State has reached number one.
Pittsburgh was ranked first in short-term particle pollution, a combination of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. The city ranks second behind Los Angeles in most year-round particle pollution.
Baltimore/Washington metro area among 10 worst regions for pollutionOriginally published May 02, 2008
The Baltimore/Washington metro area made two top 10 lists this week, and the findings might make you want to hold your breath.
The region ranked ninth in the nation for most ozone pollution and 10th for most short-term particle pollution in the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report.
Though the region has improved its air quality nearly fourfold over the past 10 years, recording an average of 11 high-ozone days per year in the last three years compared to 41 in 1998, the area still received an overall F grade. Failing grades are given to cities that record nine or more high-ozone days, including at least one at an extremely elevated level.
Both ozone, an invisible gas that forms when sunlight reacts with greenhouse gases such as car exhaust, and particle pollution can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses and even death, especially among high-risk groups, including asthmatics and those with emphysema or cardiovascular disease.
Frederick County is home to nearly 20,000 asthmatics and more than 75,000 people at high risk for developing pollution-related respiratory illnesses, according to the report's website. (WAY TO GO FREDNECK!!!!!!!!)
The county itself fared a bit better than the overall region, recording only six high-ozone days last year and garnering anoverall C grade.
Because of the time required to collect data for the study, this year's report is based on the EPA's 1997 standard for ozone levels instead of the new, stricter standard announced March 12. Considering the new standards, officials believe the air pollution outlook is even worse than the report shows.
California cities occupied nearly half the spots on the three lists, but for the first time ever, a city outside the Golden State has reached number one.
Pittsburgh was ranked first in short-term particle pollution, a combination of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. The city ranks second behind Los Angeles in most year-round particle pollution.
He wasn't all that happy with all the laughter is set off... "Well, I can!"
