respiratory illness
Credit: Jan Truter/Flickr
US enhances mining safety with new silica dust regulations
New protections against hazardous mining dust aim to curb rising cases of severe lung diseases among miners.
In short:
- The U.S. has introduced stricter limits on silica dust in mines, affecting more than 250,000 workers in various sectors including coal and metal mining.
- Despite support for the rule, there is controversy over its enforcement, with industry groups calling it costly and advocates worrying about self-monitoring by companies.
- The rule revisits recommendations made back in 1974, finally implementing changes after decades of regulatory delays and rising health concerns.
Key quote:
"It should shock the conscience to know that there’s people in this country that do incredibly hard work that we all benefit from that are already disabled before they reach the age of 40."
— Chris Williamson, head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Why this matters:
This regulation is important for improving health outcomes among miners, a workforce exposed to significant risks. As national attention focuses on workplace safety and health, this policy step exemplifies ongoing efforts to better protect those in high-risk industries. Read more: Coal miners are dying of black lung.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: skhunda/BigStock Photos ID: 83998772
The switch to electric vehicles is a breath of fresh air for children near highways
A new study highlights the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to significantly reduce childhood asthma attacks and other health issues caused by exhaust exposure, particularly in low-income, urban areas.
In short:
- Transitioning to EVs could prevent nearly 3 million childhood asthma attacks and hundreds of infant deaths due to lower air pollution.
- 27 million children in the U.S. are currently exposed to high levels of air pollution, which begins affecting them as early as in the womb.
- Bipartisan efforts and state initiatives, especially in California, are accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, with significant advancements in truck emissions reduction.
Key quote:
"Children are smaller, they’re breathing more air pound for pound than an adult. The risk can be immediate, but it’s also long lasting."
— William Barret, study author and national director on advocacy and clean air at the American Lung Association.
Why this matters:
The transition to electric vehicles, crucial in the fight against climate change, represents a significant stride towards mitigating health disparities in urban communities and advancing environmental justice. Read more in "Breathless" is EHN's in-depth look at Pittsburgh's asthma epidemic and the fight to stop it.
Keep reading...Show less
Mia DiFelice, Robin Lesko: New Pennsylvania Shell plant brings pollution and plastic. We’re fighting back.
Shell’s plant is spewing air pollution and blowing past permit limits in Western Pennsylvania, so we're pushing to hold it accountable.
Photo by Joe Dudeck on Unsplash
US coal plant closure emphasises health benefits of cleaner air
Decrease in hospital visits for heart problems shows impact could be greater than previously thought.
After decades of broken promises, coal miners hail rule to slow rise of black lung
A half-century ago, the nation’s top health experts urged the federal agency in charge of mine safety to adopt strict rules protecting miners from poisonous rock dust.
Newsletter
Image by Benita Welter from Pixabay
EPA settles Texas suit, agrees to decide on pollution plan in East Texas
Noah Alcala Bach writes in the Texas Tribune about the EPA's settlement of a a lawsuit the Sierra Club brought over pollution from an East Texas coal-burning power plant. The agreement requires the EPA to weigh in on the state’s plan to improve air quality in Rusk and Panola counties.
In a nutshell:
The Sierra Club accused the EPA of delays in approving or rejecting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's plan, which the Sierra Club deemed inadequate and urged the EPA to reject. Under the settlement, the EPA must either accept Texas' plan or issue its own improved plan to address air quality in the counties by December 13, 2024. Residents in the area have experienced respiratory issues and health problems linked to the power plant's emissions, and hope the settlement will bring positive changes to their communities.
Key quote:
“We’ve seen in the past that while Texas plans are generally not adequate, the federal government puts together much more thorough plans that result in better air quality,” said Emma Pabst, a campaign representative for Sierra Club.
The big picture:
The emissions from coal plants release harmful pollutants into the air, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma, and increase the risk of heart and lung diseases. Communities living close to coal power plants may experience higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems due to prolonged exposure to these pollutants.
Read the full story in the Texas Tribune.
Research shows that coal energy pollution may result in up to 57,000 premature deaths every year in the U.S.; switching to solar energy might reduce these deaths, writes Brian Bienkowski.
Keep reading...Show less
Image by 💌🌸🌷Marion 🌷🌸💌 Wellmann from Pixabay
Is Alabama air pollution causing smog in Texas? State battles EPA over ‘good neighbor’ plan
Dennis Pillion reports in AL.com about the claim that Alabama has to reduce pollution from its power plants and other industries because the emissions are contributing to ozone problems in Texas.
In a nutshell:
Alabama and its major utilities are engaged in a legal battle against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over allegations that Alabama's lenient air pollution regulations are causing smog issues in Texas. The EPA presented model data showing that Alabama power plants are contributing to increased ground-level ozone in Texas cities like Houston and Dallas, exceeding air quality standards. In response, the EPA rejected Alabama's regulatory plan, leading to appeals from the state and utilities. Alabama argues that its contribution to Texas ozone levels is not significant, while the EPA claims Alabama's own data shows otherwise. The case highlights the complex challenge of cross-state air pollution regulation and its potential impact on public health and electricity costs.
Key quote:
“The modeling that Alabama used established that Alabama’s emissions contribute to ozone pollution in Texas, and Alabama failed to justify – technically or legally – why no part of that contribution should be considered ‘significant,’” the EPA said.
The big picture:
When power plants emit pollutants such as nitrous oxide and volatile organic compounds, they contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can lead to respiratory problems, irritation in the lungs, and worsen existing health conditions like asthma. Efforts to reduce power plant emissions are crucial to protecting public health and ensuring cleaner air for communities.
Read Pillion's article at AL.com.
Can artificial intelligence help us avoid air pollution? Krystal Vasquez wrote about research showing that AI may outperform traditional models, which could give more advance warning of bad air days, and reduce harmful exposures and hospital visits.
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
