Air pollutants such as ground-level ozone, sulfur oxides, and others have disproportionate impacts on Black communities in the United States. (Grace Mahoney)
July 14, 2024 Story by: Edito
Since the 1970s, pollution levels across the United States have significantly dropped due to the Clean Air Act‘s expansion. Nevertheless, air pollution still poses a serious health threat, contributing to 7 million premature deaths globally each year, including nearly 200,000 in the U.S., as reported by the World Health Organization.
The federal government is tasked with updating air pollution standards every five years to mitigate these effects, considering new industry trends and scientific data. However, the revision of these standards is overdue. With the Biden administration prioritizing environmental issues, there is anticipation that many of these standards will soon be revised to better address health disparities, particularly in communities of color.
As the administration tackles the legacy of environmental injustices, Capital B is here to answer your questions about air pollution and its effects on your life. For specific inquiries about environmental issues in your community, you can contact our environmental reporter, Adam Mahoney, via this Google Form.
What Are the Major Air Pollutants?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies six primary air pollutants in the U.S.:
- Carbon monoxide: An odorless gas produced by burning materials.
- Nitrogen oxides: Reactive gases released from fuel combustion.
- Lead: A naturally occurring element typically emitted from industrial sites.
- Ground-level ozone: Occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere but is harmful at high concentrations at ground level.
- Particulate matter: A mix of liquid droplets and solid particles like dust and smoke.
- Sulfur oxides: Released from burning fossil fuels.
Major Sources of Air Pollution
- Carbon monoxide: Emitted by power plants, metal manufacturing, vehicles, and fossil fuel-burning appliances.
- Nitrogen oxides: Primarily from vehicles and power plants.
- Lead: Released from lead smelters, waste incinerators, and metals processing.
- Ground-level ozone: Comes from vehicles, power plants, industrial boilers, and refineries.
- Particulate matter: Produced by construction sites, power plants, vehicles, and wildfires.
- Sulfur oxides: Emitted by power plants and other industrial facilities.
Health and Environmental Effects of Air Pollutants
- Carbon monoxide: Reduces oxygen in the blood, causing dizziness, confusion, and suffocation. It’s linked to low birth weights and delayed brain development. Environmentally, it affects greenhouse gas reactions, leading to higher temperatures and increased storm activity.
- Nitrogen oxides: Irritates airways, triggering respiratory diseases and increasing lung cancer risk. Environmentally, it harms coastal ecosystems and water sources.
- Lead: Affects decision-making, kidney function, and the immune system. In children, it leads to learning disabilities. Environmentally, it decreases soil fertility and harms wildlife.
- Ground-level ozone: Aggravates lung diseases and asthma, especially in children. It also impacts water quality and plant growth.
- Particulate matter: Penetrates the bloodstream and lungs, causing asthma and heart disease. It depletes nutrients in soil and water, damages crops, and reduces visibility.
- Sulfur oxides: Causes respiratory issues and eye, nose, and throat irritation. It also decreases plant and crop growth, reducing biodiversity.
How Do These Pollutants Specifically Harm Black Communities?
- Carbon monoxide: Higher natural gas consumption in Black households increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Nitrogen oxides: Proximity to highways exposes Black communities to higher levels of these gases.
- Lead: Found in higher concentrations in Black communities, affecting childhood development and educational outcomes.
- Ground-level ozone: More common near polluting power plants, disproportionately affecting Black communities.
- Particulate matter: Black individuals experience 21% higher exposure rates than average, regardless of income or location.
- Sulfur oxides: Higher exposure due to the concentration of highways and industrial sources in Black communities.
What Are Air Quality Standards?
Air quality standards, established after the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970, aim to protect human health and the environment. They define “clean air” by setting the maximum allowable pollutant levels over specific periods. For example, the daily limit for particulate matter is three times higher than the annual limit.
Current U.S. Air Quality Standards and Their Updates
The Clean Air Act mandates the EPA to review and potentially revise each standard every five years based on the latest scientific data. However, these reviews are currently behind schedule.
Setting Air Quality Standards
The process takes about five years, involving extensive scientific reviews of previous standards and modeling the effects of potential new standards. The EPA uses the Integrated Science Assessment, Risk and Exposure Assessment, and Policy Assessment, which undergo public and peer review before approval.
Consequences of Not Meeting Air Quality Standards
The federal government can fine local governments and withhold funding if standards are not met. Non-compliant areas are often put under plans to reduce emissions, but achieving these standards can take years or even decades.
Checking Your Community’s Air Quality
Tools like AirNow and PurpleAir provide air quality information using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which rates air quality from “good” (0-50) to “hazardous” (300+).
Learning More About Air Pollution’s Impact
Resources like the EPA’s EJ Screening Tool and the White House’s Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool offer detailed information about local climate and pollution risks. Searching for “environmental justice” or “climate change” along with your location can also yield helpful resources and community organizations. Source: Capital B News
