The American Lung Association has completed their annual State of the Air survey and Harris County has received failing marks. The survey tallies the number of orange, red and purple ozone days and the amount of particle pollution to arrive at the grades. What's worse? Harris County's scores for 2009 have risen in every category compared to our 2008 scores.
The health risks of bad air quality are numerous. At very low concentrations ozone causes lung inflammation, which can lead to shortness of breath, asthma attacks, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Particle pollution has been linked to an increased incidence of asthma attacks, strokes, and heart attacks.
So what can we do to improve our air quality and protect ourselves? It may seem futile since we're downwind of about 10 refineries and the ship channel, but there are things we can do as citizens to minimize our own contributions and the risks to our health.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user braniffelectra
1. Use public transit or carpool/vanpool to work. Vehicle emissions are major culprits of ozone formation and particle pollution, and a reduction in the number of vehicles on the road could result in better grades next year. If you are interested in vanpooling, you can find more information on Houston Metro's website.
2. Take heed of ozone watches. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality posts daily ozone forecasts for Houston and the surrounding regions. If an ozone watch is forecasted, you can do simple things like fill up your tank or mow the lawn after 6:00 PM to reduce your contribution. In order to protect yourself, don't exercise outdoors or near high traffic areas.
3. Report polluters. If you see a vehicle emitting smoke for more that 10 consecutive seconds, you can report that vehicle to the Smoking Vehicle Program. You will need to provide the license plate number, and the time, date and location of the offense. The Smoking Vehicle Program will send the owner a letter that will infrorm them on ways they can fix their vehicle to reduce emissions. It will also warn them that they can receive a citation for operating a smoking vehicle. While no punitive action is taken, the program does have an effect. To date, thousands of owners have responded to the program stating that they fixed their cars.
Aw, reader, don't feel so bad about our grades. Every other county in Texas with a major urban center also got failing grades. Brewster County got an "A", but last we checked they don't have a Brewsterist so we don't recommend relocating just yet.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user virgil4U
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