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2008 State of the Air
May 2008

The American Lung Association has released a new report on the nationwide "State of the Air."  The report measures levels of ozone, short-term particle pollution and long-term particle pollution.  

High concentrations of ozone, created when pollution (nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons) reacts with sunlight at the earth's surface,  harm lung function and irritate the respiratory system.
 
Short term spikes in particle pollution last from several hours to several days, whereas long-term long-term particle pollution is constant.  Particle pollution is caused primarily by dirt and the burning of fossil fuels and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, hospitalization for asthma, damage to the lungs and premature death.
 
Here are some of the report's major findings with additional regional data.  You can read the whole thing HERE . 
 
Nearly one-third of the U.S. population—31 percent—live in areas with unhealthful levels of ozone.
Atlanta (#12) and Birmingham (#22) made the 25 most polluted by ozone; Savannah & Brunswick, cities that receive beneficial ocean breezes, made the least polluted by ozone list
 
Over one quarter of the people in the United States -over 81.4 million Americans- live in an area with unhealthful short-term levels of particle pollution. 
Birmingham has the 5th most unhealthful short-term levels of particle pollution

One in six people in the United States -nearly 50 million Americans- lives in an area with unhealthful year-round levels of particle pollution.
Birmingham (#4), Visalia (#5), Atlanta (#6), Macon (#12), Augusta (#21) all made the 25 most polluted by long-term particle pollution
 
SPARE THE AIR
Carpool, Walk, Bike, Take Public Transportation as much as possible 
Avoid Burning Wood, Leaves or Trash
Avoid Two-Stroke Engines -lawnmowers and leaf blowers can pollute the air more than cars
Purchase Green Power -the process of converting coal into energy produces high levels of fine particulates
Tell your U.S. Senators and Representatives to keep the Clean Air Act strong! Urge them not to support proposals to weaken our air quality law. Visit www.lungaction.org to see how you can make a difference.  
 
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