Virginia Air Pollution

Virginia Air Pollution Is the air we breathe safe? How do you know? Compiled by: Alison Sinclair VA Dept. of Environmental Quality Piedmont Regional Office Air Pollution     Dust (PM) Smog/Ozone (VOC) Exhaust from fuel burning (CO, NOx,SO2) Hazardous chemicals (Hg, Pb, Benzene) Anything that is in the air in quantities that are detrimental, whether from manmade or natural activities. Dust  Comes from smokestacks, farmers’ fields, construction sites, quarries, wind erosion  Reduces visibility  Small particles (< 10 μm) can be inhaled  Studies show that over a long period of time, this can cause lung damage Smog/Ozone  Formed when volatile organic compounds (like paint fumes) and nitrogen oxides (car exhaust) react in the presence of sunlight .  Children in high-ozone communities developed asthma at a rate three times higher than those in the low-ozone communities. (California study).  Can make those with heart and lung disease more at risk.  Crop damage Pollution from fuel burning – factories, power plants, lawn mowers, BBQ grills, forest fires  CO reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, effects central nervous system, causes sluggishness.  NOx contributes to ozone formation, adds nutrients to Chesapeake Bay, acid rain component.  SO2 causes acid rain, may irritate lining of lungs. Hazardous Air Pollutants  Approximately 188 chemicals on list, including mercury, lead, formaldehyde  Causes birth defects  Cancer  Burning eyes, lungs, skin  Damage to the environment www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/allabout.html How does Virginia air rate? Currently, VA has 15 counties in nonattainment for ozone, and four northern counties in nonattainment for PM 2.5. Our Air Monitoring Program shows how we’re doing. Ozone Peak on Tuesday Courtesy of AIRNow Other factors influencing local pollution The atmosphere is not a closed system. Therefore pollution from one area can appear to cause a problem in another area. Photo courtesy of NASA Regional Haze Emissions Inventory www.epa.gov/air/data/geosel.html Regulations to Protect the Air  Industrial Revolution created soot, smoke and other pollutants which caused health problems and many deaths.  Local jurisdictions were responsible for regulating pollution.  1970 the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency was tasked with the Clean Air Act. Clean Air Act     Sets standards for air quality (NAAQS) Based on health studies Protects the most sensitive people Requires new sources to use pollution controls  Older sources will eventually get phased out (in theory)  Major sources must show no impact or must reduce pollutants if modifying or expanding Virginia Air Pollution Regs  Adopted Clean Air Act rules  Ambient Air Quality Standards apply  Apply to industrial/commercial sources and some mobile sources (not residential)  Require new sources to apply for a permit  Quantify emissions  Control emissions  Public Notice for major sources  Inspections/ Enforcement What can you do to reduce air pollution?            Carpool or reduce trips Do not let your car idle Use water-based paints, low-VOC solvents Consider hybrid cars Conserve electricity Recycle goods No open burning Maintain heaters/AC Use hand tools for yard work Buy low-energy appliances Insulate your home Additional Resources  Virginia Department of Environmental Quality www.deq.virginia.gov  US Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov