Clean air efforts crucial to our health and quality of life

Earlier this year, the American Lung Association released its 10th annual State of the Air report. The report indicates how unhealthy an area’s outdoor air is and grades counties nationwide on air pollutant levels, including ground-level ozone (smog) and fine particle pollution (soot). Spokane County received a grade of “B” for ozone pollution and “C” for particle pollution. Our grades show improvement from years past and are the result of concentrated and targeted efforts to improve our air quality, specifically particle pollution. They also indicate, however, that the health of someone in your family may be at risk. Those most vulnerable to air pollution include children and teens, older adults, people with chronic lung diseases like asthma, people with cardiovascular diseases, and diabetics. Studies show that even healthy adults who work or exercise outdoors can experience negative health effects. New research warns that women over 50 may be particularly threatened by air pollution. We also know that people who breathe diesel or other engine exhaust on the job may face a greater risk of developing lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fine particle pollution poses the greatest public health risk. It is a toxic mix of soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. Breathing in these microscopic particles can increase the risk of early death, heart attack, stroke and emergency room visits for those with asthma and cardiovascular disease. According to Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, the two main sources of fine particle pollution are motor vehicles – especially diesel – and wood burning stoves. Improved technologies have reduced emissions from these sources. Diesel engine retrofits have cleaned up many public diesel fleets, including school buses, and new wood burning stoves are much cleaner—when used properly—than older devices. During summer, ground-level ozone (a key component of smog) is a priority health concern. When inhaled, ozone irritates the lungs, resulting in something like an internal sunburn. Ozone can cause wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks. Breathing ozone pollution can even shorten lives. Ozone is created by a chemical reaction in the air. Two kinds of gases – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides – combine in sunlight and heat to create ozone. The largest sources of VOCs are gas stations (during vehicle refueling) and motor vehicles. Ozone levels peak when temperatures climb into the 90s. On these days, extra precautions should be taken to limit the amount of pollutants released into the air during the day when ozone is forming. Driving less will have the biggest impact. Waiting until evening to fill up and delaying the use of gasoline-powered yard equipment will also help. Switching to electric or manual yard equipment is another choice people can make. The hot temperatures of summer are behind us. With the cooler fall and winter ahead, some residents will begin firing up their wood-burning stoves and inserts. Those who choose to heat with wood can keep smoke to a minimum by following clean burning practices. Keep fires hot and small and only burn clean wood that has seasoned (dried) for at least 6-8 months. Upgrade old stoves to cleaner, more efficient wood, gas or pellet stoves. For more tips and to view a short video on cleaner wood heating, visit www.spokanecleanair.org/wood_heating.asp. In addition to home heating choices, how you travel has a big impact on air quality. Cut back on unnecessary trips by combining errands. Avoid idling your vehicle if waiting for more than 30 seconds. Consider walking or bicycling for shorter trips. Finally, hop on a bus or share a ride to work — even once a week makes a difference with air quality. For more commute options, visit www.mycommute.org. You can protect yourself and your family by subscribing to air quality alerts and planning your outdoor activities appropriately. When pollution levels are elevated, exercise inside and limit the amount of time your children play outdoors. The American Lung Association in Washington provides air quality alerts via email (sign up at www. alaw.org) In addition, Spokane Clean Air provides air quality information online and via an automated telephone recording updated hourly at (509) 477-2571. Each of us has the ability to assist in achieving and maintaining healthy air in our community. Simple steps can be taken each day to assure we all breathe easier. Cindy Thompson is Senior Director of Programs for the American Lung Association in Washington. A version of this piece was first printed in Inland NW Health, and offered courtesy of Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.