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California cities and counties continue to dominate the list of places with the highest number of days with high air pollution in the American Lung Association State of the Air 2006 report. The April report ranks the cities and counties with the dirtiest air and provides county-level report cards on the two most pervasive air pollutants: ozone (commonly called smog) and particle pollution (often referred to as soot), measured in both 24-hour spikes and on annual average. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside metropolitan area continues to sit atop the list of most polluted cities for 24-hour and annual particle pollution levels. Among the California counties receiving F grades on one or more of the three pollutant lists: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. Ozone air pollution is a powerful respiratory irritant that can actually cause chemical burns of lung tissue and can also exacerbate lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Particle pollution refers to the fine particles that enter the air primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, wood smoke, and agricultural burning. Particle pollution has been linked to lung cancer, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes as well as increased hospitalizations for respiratory and heart conditions. This year’s American Lung Association Clean Air Month campaign highlights the public health threat caused by diesel-powered trains and boats. While they are significant sources of air pollution, train and marine diesel engines have been poorly regulated. Combined state and federal efforts are needed to clean up these engines and the fuel they use. This is particularly alarming because air pollution is a major contributor to lung disease, which affects an estimated 4.2 million people in California. The American Lung Association is committed to reducing the suffering caused by lung disease; fighting air pollution is an important part of that effort. “Air pollution travels and that’s why reducing air pollution in the goods movement industry is an issue all Californians should be concerned about, not just those living near ports or rail yards,” says Dr. John Balmes, who serves on the American Lung Association of California’s Clean Air Technical Advisory Group and is a pulmonary physician and professor of medicine at UC San Francisco. “This ‘secondhand smog’ drifts into other communities.” Every Californian can help protect the air we all breathe by driving less and making their next vehicle a cleaner-fueled one. Carpool, ride your bike, walk more, and take the train and bus whenever possible. Cleaner-fueled vehicles such as electric, natural gas, and hybrid electric-gasoline emit fewer pollutants than those powered by gasoline or diesel. Businesses, schools and other organizations can also help protect the air we breathe by encouraging carpooling and bicycling. Information: 800.LUNG.USA or californialung.org. |
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