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February 1, 2005
Second hand particles
With the smoking ban imminent in public buildings because of the harmful effects of second hand smoke, smokers move outside. In an ironic twist, now they get to breathe second hand particles from automobiles and factories.
Something for all of us to consider is that when we pollute we are not just taking a risk for ourselves, we are affecting everyone.
I received this in my email today, just after I went for a heart-pounding 3 mile run at my fastest pace yet:
Air Pollution Alert
February 1, 2005
The MPCA has issued an "UNHEALTHY FOR ALL" Air Pollution Alert for the Twin Cities metro area for Tuesday, February 1.
AQI: at 11 a.m., the Air Quality Index was 154. From 151 to 200 is
considered unhealthy for everyone.
POLLUTANT: fine particles (soot), which come primarily from combustion
sources, such as car exhaust, fireplaces, factories and other sources.
Fine particles are as small as one-fiftieth the width of a human hair.
Fine particles have been trapped near the ground for several days by
moist, stagnant air, and additional particles have moved into Minnesota
from the south. Changing weather by Thursday should clear the air.
HEALTH: Everyone should take it easy. People with heart or lung
disease (including asthma) and adults over 50 should avoid vigorous or
prolonged exercise. Others, including athletes and other healthy
adults and children should reduce or postpone heavy exertion (play
shorter games, walk instead of run, rotate players more frequently,
etc.) People with heart conditions are especially vulnerable to fine
particle pollution. Note: fine particles are so tiny that they can get
indoors, so take it easy indoors, too.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION DURING THIS ALERT:
* reduce driving when possible and don't idle your vehicle engine
(vehicle exhaust adds fine particles to the air)
* postpone activities with small gasoline or diesel engines, which
also produce particles
* postpone fires in your fireplace and outdoors, which add soot
particles to the air
To learn more check hourly updates of the AQI, visit:
http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly/
Posted by carl1236 at February 1, 2005 4:04 PM | Love your Neighbor