According one report of The American Lung Association (ALA) just released “State Of The Air” report listing the most polluted cities in the United States. Of the seven worst cities ranked as having the worst air quality, six — including Los Angeles – are in California, despite the state having the toughest regulations in the country. Why is this?
The two biggest air pollution culprits are transportation sources such as cars and trucks and stationary sources such as oil refineries and industrial facilities. The ALA rankings look at two different pollutants: ozone (smog) and fine particulate matter. Take the first step and take your vehicle to the STAR stations to be carried out necessary checks.
Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds “cook” in sunlight to produce ozone. This mix of chemicals largely stems from the burning of fossil fuels: the pollution that comes from our power plants and industrial facilities and from the exhaust pipes of our cars, trucks, ships and trains.
The ozone smog that comes from this chemical stew burns the eyes, makes breathing painful and can cause chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and can worsen asthma. Children are at greatest risk from exposure because their lungs are still developing, and they are more likely to be active outdoors when ozone levels are high. Rising temperatures from climate change will only serve to spur even more of this pollution. In the second step, we are experts in the STAR stations with the latest technology to check your vehicle and alarm settings will do.
Particulate matter, the other major air pollutant in cities, is often smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Just like ozone, fossil fuel combustion at power plants and by cars and trucks plays a major role in its production. The very small particles can lodge deep in the lungs, causing health risks such as premature death in people with heart or lung disease, asthma aggravation and decreased lung function. Children and seniors are at the greatest risk from particulate pollution. And we’re seeing these human health impacts all across Southern California and the Central Valley.
Bottom line: too many cars and trucks, and too much fossil fuel combustion by vehicles, power plants and industry are the problem. And climate change is only making it worse.
The final step in setting your car out of the STAR stations your deliverance and your car will not be a source of air pollution in your city and its citizens and you have fresh air for berthing.