air quality
Credit: Anthony Quintano/Flickr
A growing wildfire threat endangers global health
Escalating megafires worldwide are worsening air quality and posing serious health risks, with vulnerable populations most at risk.
In short:
- Increasing wildfires, driven by climate change and poor forest management, are leading to more smoke-related health issues.
- Vulnerable groups, like the elderly and those with preexisting conditions, are particularly at risk from the short-term and long-term effects of smoke.
- Wildfire smoke contributes to the cumulative air pollution burden, even affecting remote areas and stalling progress on clean air improvements.
Key quote:
“For every death and heart attack, you’ve got 10 times more people needing to see a GP or needing to go to a pharmacy. You’ve got 100 times more people with symptoms missing work, kids [missing school], so the ramifications … are quite big.”
— Fay Johnston, professor at the University of Tasmania in Australia.
Why this matters:
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires lead to more severe air pollution, exacerbating health problems like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and affecting large populations, including vulnerable communities. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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Credit: César Rincón/Flicikr
Polluted air is endangering newborns in New Mexico
A new study reveals that air pollution is significantly linked to low birth weight among babies born near industrial areas in New Mexico, posing serious health risks.
In short:
- The University of New Mexico study connects exposure to five industrial pollutants with low birth weight in infants.
- Areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the Permian Basin –the country's most productive oilfield– have some of the worst air quality in the U.S., affecting local newborns' health.
- Minority and low-income communities face disproportionate impacts from pollution, with higher incidences of low birth weight among Black and Latino infants.
Key quote:
“The stakes are incredibly high. Low birth weight not only impacts the health of newborns but can also set children up for health issues that extend well into adulthood.”
— Giovanna Rossi, New Mexico organizer for Moms Clean Air Force.
Why this matters:
Protecting pregnant women and their babies from industrial pollution is vital as low birth weight is linked to severe health issues, from respiratory problems to heart disease, creating a critical public health crisis. Read more: Air pollution linked to millions of birth complications across the globe.
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Newsletter
Credit: Tennessee Valley Authority/Flickr
Court delays Biden administration's cross-state air pollution plan
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the EPA's plan to reduce air pollution across state lines, hindering Biden's environmental agenda.
In short:
- The Supreme Court has put a hold on the EPA's "good neighbor" plan, which aimed to cut ozone pollution from Western and Midwestern states affecting Eastern states.
- The ruling was a narrow 5-4 decision, with Justice Gorsuch writing for the majority, stating the stay will remain until a federal appeals court reviews the matter.
- Justice Barrett, dissenting, warned that the decision would allow continued pollution, impacting downwind states' air quality and public health.
Key quote:
“The court’s extraordinary decision today to grant an emergency stay is a travesty of justice that puts the lives and health of millions of people at risk.”
— Vickie Patton, general counsel of the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
This decision delays efforts to mitigate harmful air pollution, posing risks to public health, particularly for those in downwind states affected by emissions linked to asthma and lung disease. More reading: "Breathless" is EHN's in-depth look at Pittsburgh's asthma epidemic and the fight to stop it.
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Newsletter
Clean air and water amendment delayed in California
A proposed amendment to California’s Constitution that would guarantee the right to clean air and water has been postponed for another year due to a lack of legislative progress.
In short:
- Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan authored ACA 16, the green amendment, to add clean air, water, and a healthy environment to California’s Constitution.
- The proposal failed to advance in the state Assembly and Senate before the deadline, prompting Bryan to delay it until next year.
- The amendment faced opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce, citing potential economic impacts on housing and infrastructure projects.
Key quote:
“We simply don’t have enough time this election cycle to craft the comprehensive and inspired amendment language California deserves. We will keep working and building for the climate justice our communities need.”
— Isaac G. Bryan, Assemblymember.
Why this matters:
California, often at the forefront of environmental policy, continues to grapple with significant air and water quality issues. Urban areas frequently contend with smog and particulate matter, while rural communities deal with contaminated water supplies, sometimes linked to agricultural runoff or industrial activity. Ensuring the right to clean air and water in California’s Constitution would strengthen environmental protections and hold polluters accountable.Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Pierre Blaché/Flickr
Paris showcases a car-free future during the Olympics
Paris is showcasing a dramatic reduction in car reliance, resulting in significantly improved air quality, as it prepares for the 2024 Olympics.
Mike Gagliardi reports for NBC News.
In short:
- Paris has banned cars on more than 100 streets, increased parking fees for SUVs, and created 1,300 km of bike lanes under Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
- The city’s air pollution has dropped by 40% as a result of these changes, making it a model for urban environmental reform.
- Despite facing political challenges, a majority of Parisians support Hidalgo's environmental initiatives.
Key quote:
“This is no longer the time for cars, and we need to fight against them for a low-carbon future.”
— Carlos Moreno, professor at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Why this matters:
Reducing car dependency can significantly lower pollution and improve health outcomes. Paris serves as an inspiration for cities worldwide aiming to combat climate change and promote sustainable urban living. Read more: In polluted cities, reducing air pollution could lower cancer rates as much as eliminating smoking would.
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Newsletter
Wildfires in Canada worsen air quality across the U.S. Midwest
Wildfire smoke from Canadian blazes has dramatically worsened air quality across the Midwestern United States, permeating indoor environments despite efforts to keep it out.
In short:
- More than 140 wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia have sent smoke across U.S. borders, affecting indoor air quality even with closed windows and doors.
- Experts emphasize the importance of high-quality air filtration systems to combat the infiltration of outdoor pollutants indoors.
- Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly face significant health risks from prolonged exposure to this smoke.
Key quote:
“Housing quality plays a big role in this. If you’re in an older, leakier home, you’re going to be exposed to more wildfire smoke."
— Elliott Gall, mechanical and materials engineering professor at Portland State University
Why this matters:
As climate change escalates the frequency and severity of wildfires, more individuals will likely experience adverse health effects from smoke exposure. Effective indoor air quality management is becoming important for health safety, particularly in densely populated and vulnerable communities.
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Credit: Waterkeeper Alliance Inc./Flickr
Illinois faces challenges in addressing coal ash contamination
Despite Illinois passing a law five years ago to manage coal ash contamination, progress has stalled, leaving environmental advocates concerned.
In short:
- In 2019, Illinois passed a law to regulate coal ash and required plant operators to submit plans to clean up or shut down.
- Despite finalized rules, permits for the coal ash pits in Waukegan have yet to be approved, delaying remediation.
- Federal rules have intensified scrutiny of coal ash, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and safeguard communities.
Key quote:
“When it comes to the implementation of these rules, it’s 2024 and we don’t have permits yet. And I don’t think anyone was expecting that.”
— Celeste Flores, co-chair of Clean Power Lake County
Why this matters:
Coal ash contains hazardous substances that can leach into groundwater, posing serious health risks. The prolonged delay in issuing permits for cleanup leaves communities exposed to potential pollution, heightening the urgency for regulatory action. Read more: Former coal plant near Pittsburgh is poisoning groundwater.
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