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Group Against Smog and Pollution, Inc. (GASP)

Group Against Smog and Pollution, Inc. (GASP). Founded in 1969, GASP is a non-profit citizens’ group in Southwestern PA working for a healthy, sustainable environment. www.gasp-pgh.org. Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) www.gasp-pgh.org. Watchdog Smoke Reading Educate

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Group Against Smog and Pollution, Inc. (GASP)

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  1. Group Against Smog and Pollution, Inc. (GASP) Founded in 1969, GASP is a non-profit citizens’ group in Southwestern PA working for a healthy, sustainable environment. www.gasp-pgh.org

  2. Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) www.gasp-pgh.org • Watchdog • Smoke Reading • Educate • Community Outreach • Events • Drive Cleaner Drive Greener • Speakers

  3. GASPer Air Monitor Program An opportunity for you to learn about what you are breathing! Monitor both indoor and outdoor air quality using portable, easy to use equipment

  4. Smokestacks Pittsburgh 1906 from top of Union Station

  5. DID YOU KNOW? • The Pittsburgh area was recently ranked 2nd worse air quality, for fine particulates, after L.A. – American Lung Association, 2007 State of the Air Report • Our region is not meeting federal health standards for fine particulates

  6. Clear Day in Pittsburgh Air Quality Action Day

  7. Why is Pittsburgh’s Air Polluted? • Wind generally moves from west to east; pollution from the Ohio Valley • Coal fired power plants • Clairton coke works – turning coal into coke for steel making process • Geography • Diesel Pollution

  8. Criteria Air Pollutants • EPA identifies 6 air pollutants as common throughout the US and able to harm human health and the environment. -Ozone -Particulate Matter -Carbon Monoxide -Nitrogen Dioxide -Sulfur Dioxide -Lead http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html

  9. What is particulate matter?a.k.a. “soot” Particulate matter (PM) includes both solid and liquid droplets of various sizes suspended in air. • Primary PM – emitted directly, as in wind blown soil, salt from the ocean, or emissions of elemental carbon from combustion activities. ex. Construction sites, unpaved roads, forest fires, smokestacks • Secondary PM – formed when gases from power plants, industries & automobiles react in the air ex. sulfate particles formed from sulfur dioxide emitted by combustion.

  10.  Particles between 10 µm and 2.5 µm are often described as coarse particles (PM10), and are associated with primary PM such as road dust and salt. Particles with diameter equal to or less than 2.5 µm are referred to as fine particles (PM2.5). Commonly result from combustion activities and chemical reactions taking place in the air, for example, sulfate formation. ~1/30th the size of human hair. Found in smoke & haze. Particles with diameter less than 0.1 μm, a subset of fine particles, are referred to as ultrafine particles(UFP). Diesel emissions are a significant source of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere. How small are these particles?

  11. Particles

  12. Why are we so concerned about these tiny particles anyway? • Too small to be filtered by the nose/mouth • Can be inhaled deeply into the lungs where they can cross directly into blood stream like oxygen • Asthma attacks (possible asthma onset) • Heart attacks • Strokes • Premature death (crib death in children) • Cancer

  13. Mystery Solved • Study at Northwestern University (2007) • Microscopic air pollution causes an increased tendency for blot to clot • Raises risk of fatal heart attack/stroke in people with cardiovascular disease • Previous studies have linked PM and cardiovascular death/disease • This is the first study to show how it actually happens

  14. Healthy Lungs vs. Polluted Lungs

  15. Non-attainment • Locality where air pollution levels persistently exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards • Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley Area are in non-attainment for PM 2.5 & Ozone

  16. Can I reduce my exposure to particulate matter? • Avoid exposure where possible to sources of airborne particles such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke and vehicle exhaust. • Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion near high-traffic areas especially if it is a higher pollution day. • Stay informed about the daily air pollution levels and the associated health implications. You can sign up to receive an AQI forecast by email each day here.http://www.dep.state.pa.us/aq_apps/aqpartners/default.asp • Use high quality filters for heating and air conditioners. Change filters frequently. Consider using a room, car and/or house air cleaner. There are a variety of types so research your needs and follow proper maintenance recommendations. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are better for smaller particles.

  17. Diesel: Did you know? • Today in the U.S. more than 13 million diesel vehicles help to build our cities and towns, transport our food and goods, and take us to and from work and school. • Trucks, buses, farm equipment, construction equipment, locomotives and ships are all common diesel vehicles. • More than ¾ of all Americans live near intersections, bus stops, highways, bus and truck depots, or construction sites with heavy equipment – all of which are concentrated sources of diesel exhaust. • The lifespan of the average diesel vehicle is nearly 30 years.

  18. School Bus Idling Regulation (as of 10/10/04) *School Buses cannot idle more than 5 minutes. *If you see a school bus idling for more than the allotted time contact the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-687-2243 or the police.

  19. Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Regulation * limits idling of city buses, trucks, waste haulers and tour buses to FIVE MINUTES!

  20. Pittsburgh Healthy School Bus Fund • Heinz Foundation provided initial $500,000 • Retrofit all pre-2007 engine buses serving Pgh School District - approx. 350 • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) for the tailpipe and closed crankcase system for the engine • Reduces diesel emissions by at least 85% • Partnership between Clean Water Action, GASP, and Clean Air Task Force • Innovative -Provides a model for other cities

  21. Allegheny Partnership to Reduce Diesel Pollution • Clean Water Action and GASP • Aims to reduce toxic diesel emissions from all sectors • Currently working with City of Pittsburgh to secure EPA funds to retrofit municipal waste haulers

  22. Coal Power: what goes on behind the light switch • Most people think that coal went out of fashion with top hats and corsets • In fact, we burn more than a billion tons a year • About 20 lbs/day for every man, woman and child • Coal power plants generate about half the electric power in the country

  23. Coal is not Clean & Green • Annual emissions from a typical coal plant: • 10,000 tons of sulfur dioxide • 10,200 tons of nitrogen oxide • 500 tons of small particles • 225 pounds of arsenic • 114 pounds of lead & 48 tons of mercury • For every ton of coal burned, 2-3 tons of carbon dioxide are created

  24. Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) Wightman School Community Building 5604 Solway St., #204 Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Phone: 412-325-7382 www.gasp-pgh.org Lee Szymkiewicz, Education Coordinator lee@gasp-pgh.org

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