Discourse for all interested in all things air-quality related
This post picks up where the “Why the current Air Quality Index tool should go the way of analog T.V.” post left off. That I feel as I do about this subject matter is justification enough in my mind’s eye to further the discussion. Just in case you missed it, three people commented to that … Read more
The below Aug. 26, 2020 press release is from Stanford University. The cloak of wildfire smoke that has descended across huge swaths of Northern California is a visible reminder of air pollution’s health threats. For people at high risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, the bad air presents a new challenge. For firefighters and others exposed … Read more
The summer of 1943 was a season that Los Angeles citizens would do well to always remember. For it was during this time that the L.A.-area’s first major smog episode occurred. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (CARB), associated fallout from this event included, among other things, upset stomachs and “burning … Read more
The below Sept. 25, 2020 press release is from the American College of Chest Physicians. Today, on World Lung Day (WLD), the American College of Chest Physicians® (CHEST) is united with members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and WLD partner organizations to advocate for respiratory health globally and call for more research … Read more
Air pollution and climate change have three commonalities. They: Affect or alter lives Make matters worse Need atmosphere to survive Affect or alter lives This is not something that takes serious contemplation to get one’s head around. In other words, this is not some obscure notion or idea we are talking about here. And, to … Read more
Catastrophic events like the massive wildfires burning in the western U.S. alone should not be the impetus that gets the world to pay close attention to air pollution’s presence, that and the dangers such pollution presents. Smoke from fires pouring into cities like Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle have caused skies there to … Read more
The below Aug. 28, 2020 press release is from the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board. The California Air Resources Board late yesterday [Aug. 27, 2020] approved a multi-pronged regulation that will dramatically reduce smog-forming emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks. The “Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus Regulation” will require manufacturers to comply with tougher emissions … Read more
With wildfires raging in many parts of the western U.S. and with smoke from the Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest flowing down into California’s central San Joaquin Valley darkening skies, turning sun-ups and sunsets red and impacting health including mine, I can’t help but be reminded of just how important clean air is … Read more
Strong evidence suggests there is a link between air pollution and compromised gut health. This topic was first explored on the Air Quality Matters blog on Feb. 26, 2014 in the post: “Air pollution, digestive tract disorders and the connection between them.” Since that time, some important developments have surfaced in the academic, medical and … Read more
The below Aug. 27, 2020 press release is from the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board. The California Air Resources Board today approved a new regulation designed to further reduce pollution from ocean-going vessels while docked at California’s busiest ports. The rule builds on progress achieved by the groundbreaking At-Berth Regulation adopted in 2007. … Read more