Athens Doesn’t Meet New Standard for Deadly Fine Particle Pollution – Flagpole

Georgia Meets Federal Air Quality Standards for the First Time

According to the state Environmental Protection Division’s latest annual air monitoring report, Georgia has met all federal air quality standards for the first time since the federal 1990 Clean Air Act was implemented. However, certain areas in North Georgia, including Athens, and some areas further south would fail a new, stricter federal standard for fine particle pollution, also known as PM2.5.

The Impact of PM2.5 Pollution

PM2.5 refers to liquid and solid particles that are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. These tiny particles can have serious health consequences, including increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and short-term respiratory illnesses. Researchers at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health have even found a potential link between PM2.5 pollution and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the new PM2.5 standard could prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays annually.

Progress in Reducing PM2.5 Pollution

According to the EPA, levels of fine particle pollution in the Southeast have decreased by 48% since 2000, and a similar decline has been observed nationwide. However, these reductions are not sufficient to adequately protect human health, as highlighted by the EPA and health organizations like the American Lung Association.

New Federal Standard for PM2.5 Pollution

In February, the EPA finalized a new standard for annual average PM2.5 pollution: 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air, down from the previous standard of 12. Unfortunately, six of Georgia’s PM2.5 monitoring sites, including the one in Clarke County, would not meet the new standard. Other areas with elevated PM2.5 levels include Albany, Atlanta, Warner Robins, Augusta, and Sandersville.

Factors Contributing to PM2.5 Pollution

PM2.5 pollution can arise from various sources, including forest fires, dusty construction sites, mining activities, tire rubber erosion on highways, power plants, and diesel engines. In Georgia, controlled burns in forestry and agriculture account for nearly a third of the state’s PM2.5 production, according to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

The Future of PM2.5 Pollution

Climate warming models predict that PM2.5 levels may worsen in the future, partly due to an increase in large forest fires similar to those experienced in western U.S. states and Canada in recent years. These fires release smoke containing PM2.5 particles that can spread hundreds of miles away. It is crucial to address this issue to prevent further health risks.

Potential Challenges and Opposition

The earliest possible timeframe for a “nonattainment” designation, indicating continuous failure to meet the new PM2.5 standard, is 2032 according to the EPA. However, the fate of these new standards is uncertain and subject to political influence. Over 100 Republican members of Congress have called for the EPA to roll back the new limits, citing concerns about their necessity and cost. Representative Buddy Carter of Pooler, Georgia, expressed worries about the impact on vital U.S. industries such as manufacturing and timber.

Implications for Georgia and Surrounding Areas

If Athens were to be included in a nonattainment zone, it is likely that much of North Georgia, including metro Atlanta, would also be affected. Air pollution does not adhere to county boundaries, and pollution levels in Athens often impact surrounding counties. In the event of nonattainment, the state would need to develop a plan to reduce PM2.5 levels. Other areas in Georgia that would fail the new PM2.5 standard include Warner Robins, Sandersville, Albany, and Augusta-Richmond County, which has experienced some of the highest PM2.5 levels in the nation.

Conclusion

Addressing PM2.5 pollution is crucial for protecting public health and achieving sustainable development goals. It requires concerted efforts to reduce emissions from various sources and implement effective strategies to improve air quality. By prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 13: Climate Action, Georgia can work towards a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the issue of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and its impact on human health. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being for all. The article also mentions specific cities and areas that would fail the new federal standard for PM2.5 pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Additionally, the article mentions climate warming models predicting an increase in PM2.5 levels, linking to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (SDG 3.9), improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), and strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards (SDG 13.1).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Annual average PM2.5 pollution levels (micrograms per cubic meter of air)
• Number of premature deaths and lost workdays prevented

The article mentions the new standard for annual average PM2.5 pollution set by the EPA (9 micrograms per cubic meter of air) and states that several monitoring sites in Georgia, including Athens, would not pass this new standard. This indicates that the annual average PM2.5 pollution levels can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards improving air quality and reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution. The article also mentions that the new standard could prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays annually, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards reducing the adverse health impacts of air pollution.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: flagpole.com

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