FOX13 Investigates: What’s in our air?
FOX13 Investigates: What's in our air? | News | fox13memphis.com FOX13 Memphis
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Contamination and Air Pollution in Memphis and the Mid-South
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – For the past year, FOX13 has been reporting on several communities in Memphis and the Mid-South that have been affected by contamination, specifically air pollution.
However, it is important to consider whether this is only a concern for a few neighborhoods or if we are all at risk.
The Environmental Justice Issue
FOX13 interviewed Dr. Chunrong Jia, a professor of Environmental Health at the University of Memphis School of Public Health, to gain expert insight on this matter.
Dr. Jia explained, “This phenomenon is what we call the environmental justice issue. So that brought my attention, then I started the research with this concept about air pollution.”
Air Pollution in Memphis
Air pollution is evident in industrial areas of the city, such as southwest Memphis where the Valero facility and Sterilization Services of Tennessee are located.
Dr. Jia identified six criteria of air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. He stated that overall, the air quality in Shelby County is good.
Ozone Pollution
However, Dr. Jia highlighted one area of concern – ozone pollution. He noted that ozone levels in Shelby County have exceeded the national standard this year.
Ozone, also known as smog, is one of the most dangerous and widespread pollutants in the United States. Breathing in ground-level ozone can be harmful, especially for at-risk populations such as people with asthma or other lung diseases, older adults, individuals who work or exercise outdoors, and babies and children.
Health Risks
Dr. Jia explained that the most common health risks associated with air pollution are respiratory symptoms or diseases like asthma, allergies, and inflammation of the eyes or throat.
The American Lung Association’s annual ‘State of the Air’ report indicates that Shelby County receives passing grades for particle pollution and ozone. However, ozone remains the highest risk.
According to the report, Shelby County had a ‘D’ grade for high ozone days in 2023, which is the worst in Tennessee. There were seven days when the air quality was considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’
Impact on the Community
Angela Tin, the National Senior Director of the American Lung Association, explained that ozone has both harmful and beneficial effects. While it protects us from the sun’s rays at high levels, it also irritates the lungs and can cause short-term and long-term effects such as coughing and wheezing.
The report estimates that hundreds of thousands of people in Shelby County are at risk due to air pollution. This includes individuals with adult asthma, children under 18, older adults, and those with cardiovascular disease.
Transportation as a Major Source
Tin highlighted that in the past, pollution mainly originated from industry and power plants. However, stricter standards and regulations have reduced these sources significantly. Currently, transportation sources contribute to 70-90% of the air pollution problem.
Efforts to Monitor Air Quality
In 2011, the University of Memphis, Shelby County Health Department, and Middle Tennessee State were approved for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Air Toxics program. As a result, five air monitoring stations were established across Shelby County to track pollutant levels in different neighborhoods.
Dr. Jia stated that air quality has improved since the implementation of these monitoring stations.
Concerns about Dirt on Cars
Dr. Jia reassured that the dirt on cars after rain is not a significant issue. While there may be temporary dust and dirt brought by rain, it does not pose a major concern.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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
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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index and levels of air pollutants in specific areas.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Compliance with national policies and strategies related to climate change.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 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. | Indicator: Air quality index and levels of air pollutants in specific areas. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator: Compliance with national policies and strategies related to climate change. |
Based on the information provided in the article, the issues discussed are connected to SDGs 3, 11, and 13. SDG 3 focuses on good health and well-being, which is relevant as the article highlights the health risks associated with air pollution. SDG 11 addresses sustainable cities and communities, specifically mentioning the need to pay attention to air quality. Lastly, SDG 13 emphasizes climate action, which is relevant as air pollution contributes to climate change.
The specific targets identified from the article’s content are SDG 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution, SDG 11.6, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of cities with a focus on air quality, and SDG 13.2, which aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies.
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 3.9, the indicator is the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. For SDG 11.6, the indicators are the air quality index and levels of air pollutants in specific areas. For SDG 13.2, the indicator is compliance with national policies and strategies related to climate change.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: fox13memphis.com
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