Air pollution: Quality Improving But Not Complete ...
Air quality is improving in the United States, but the improvement effort is not complete. The data shows a strong correlation between a decrease in the pollution level and a increase in the health of citizens. However, millions of Americans live in are where they continue to experience unhealthful levels of air pollution. We must continue our efforts. Pollution from marine and locomotive sources contribute significantly to the air pollution problem and are next on the improvement agenda. The following anecdotes provide more details on the American Lung Association's study that tracks the air quality improvement. ...
... "The State of the Air: 2006 report finds that more than 150 million Americans still live in counties where they are exposed to unhealthful levels of air pollution. The report ranks the cities and counties with the dirtiest air, and provides county-by-county report cards on the two most pervasive air pollutants: particle pollution (more commonly called soot) and ozone (more commonly called smog). While air pollution is unsafe for everyone, some people are at increased risk because of their age or health situation. Those groups include people with asthma, adults over 65, children under 18, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – chronic bronchitis and emphysema), people with cardiovascular disease, and those with diabetes.
The State of the Air: 2006 report also takes a closer look at pollution from marine and locomotive sources which contribute significantly to the air pollution problem. State and local air pollution officials estimate that pollution from these sources is responsible for 4,000 premature deaths a year. The U.S. EPA has promised to issue guidelines for limiting air pollution from marine and locomotive sources but has not yet acted. The marine sources include vessels ranging from tug boats and ferries to recreational boats. Emissions from boats foul the air in port cities like Houston, Los Angeles, and New York. Diesel-powered locomotives continue to pollute the air in cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, monitored and analyzed air pollution and health data in six metropolitan areas: Watertown, MA; Kingston and Harriman, TN; St. Louis, MO; Steubenville, OH; Portage, Wyocena and Pardeeville, WI; and Topeka, KS. The researchers found that for each 1 microgram decrease in soot per cubic meter of air, death rates from cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness and lung cancer decrease by 3 percent – extending the lives of 75,000 people a year in the United States. The study was published in the March 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. " ...
Reduction in Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Mortality: Extended Follow-up of the Harvard Six Cities Study -- Laden et al. 173 (6): 667 -- American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine: "Conclusion: Total, cardiovascular, and lung cancer mortality were each positively associated with ambient PM2.5 concentrations. Reduced PM2.5 concentrations were associated with reduced mortality risk. "
some is further refined to make gasoline octane boosters; and some is burned, either in pure (neat) form or mixed with a small percentage of gasoline, in fleets of research and demonstration vehicles. " ...
