Activity 3.3.1 Air Pollution Core Activity

 1) Air Pollution Basics, Air Pollution Basics

Source: (Freeman, B. (2018)

Air pollution is a growing environmental issue that affects human health and the planet's ecosystems. Freeman (2018) explains that air pollution can be categorized into three main types: sulfur pollutants, nitrogen pollutants, and hydrocarbon and volatile organic compound pollutants. 

Sulfur pollutants

Sulfur pollutants are compounds containing sulfur that can be found in the environment and can have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. Common sulfur pollutants are produced by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, as well as some industrial processes. Exposure to high levels of SO2 can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, and can contribute to the formation of acid rain, which can damage ecosystems and infrastructure.

Nitrogen pollutants 

Nitrogen pollutants refer to various forms of nitrogen compounds that can be found in the environment and can have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. Nitrogen pollutants are mainly produced by transportation, agriculture, and industry, and they can cause smog and acid rain. Nitrogen compounds produced by combustion processes, such as in motor vehicles and power plants. These nitrogen compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, especially in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Hydrocarbon and volatile organic compound pollutants 

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be found naturally in the environment, such as in crude oil, coal, and natural gas, or produced by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation. Hydrocarbons can also be volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means they can easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. They can be found in many products, including paints, adhesives, cleaning products, and gasoline. When released into the air, VOCs can contribute to air pollution and have negative effects on human health and the environment.

Source: (Freeman, B.(2018)

 

2) Comparison of Current AQI

Source: (Freeman, B. (2018)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report air quality levels and how they might affect human health. The AQI takes into account five main air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide (EPA, n.d.). The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating more severe air pollution and potential health risks.

	Time of Day	AQI Current	AQI Forecast	PM2.5	O3
Maple Falls, WA (highest)	11:00 pm	86	Moderate	61	127
San Antonio, TX (Where I Live)	1:00 pm	30	Good	21	30
Los Angeles, CA	10:00 am	65	Unavailable	50	32

(US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019, June 18)

 To compare current AQI levels, data was collected from various sources, including the EPA's AirNow website, IQ AirMap, and local air quality monitoring stations. The table below shows the highest AQI in the US, the current AQI where I live, and the current AQI in Los Angeles, CA. The table also includes the PM2.5 and O3 levels at each location and the time of day when the data was collected.

As shown in the table, the highest current AQI in the US was recorded in Maple Falls, with a value of 86, meaning moderate air quality conditions. Then we have San Antonio,TX which is where I live, current AQI is 30, meaning good conventions to be outside. Los Angeles, CA, had a current AQI is 65, meaning moderate air quality conditions but people with underlying condition should not be outside. The highest AQI category at each location was PM2.5, which is a type of particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems. The lowest AQI category at each location was O3, which is ground-level ozone and can cause respiratory irritation.

In conclusion, air pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects human health and the planet's ecosystems. The AQI is a useful tool for measuring air quality and potential health risks associated with air pollution. By comparing current AQI levels at different locations, we can identify areas that require immediate attention and take steps to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

 

3) Comparison of Current PM 2.5 and O3 to EPA Standards

PM 2.5

PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These tiny particles can come from a variety of sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and wildfires. Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles can enter deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to a range of health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

O3

O3, also known as ozone, is a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when certain pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, react with sunlight. While ozone high up in the atmosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, ground-level ozone is a pollutant that can cause a range of health problems. Breathing in high levels of ozone can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and increase the risk of developing respiratory infections.

Both PM2.5 and O3 are major contributors to air pollution and can have serious health consequences for those exposed to high levels. Long-term exposure to these pollutants has been linked to an increased risk of premature death, as well as a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is important to monitor and regulate levels of these pollutants to protect public health and improve air quality.

Source: (Freeman, B. (2018)

National Standard	San Antonio Current measured over 1 hour	Time of Day
PM2.5 Average measured over 24 hours - 35 μg/m3	6.0 µg/m3	11 am
O3  Average measured over 8 hours - 70 ppb (137 µg/m3)	35 ppb	12 am

 (Latest Hourly PM-2.5 Levels. (n.d.)

(Current Ozone 1-Hour Levels. (n.d.)

Works Cited

Current Ozone 1-Hour Levels. (n.d.). Www.tceq.texas.gov. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl 

Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental science: A Canadian perspective. Halifax, Canada: Dalhousie University Libraries. 

Latest Hourly PM-2.5 Levels. (n.d.). Www.tceq.texas.gov. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl?user_param=88502 

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019, June 18).Air quality index basics. Air Now. https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi