Johnson County aquatic center becomes hazardous for swimmers during competition

Report on Poor Air Quality at Johnson County Aquatic Center

Introduction

On [Date], a significant number of youth swimmers experienced adverse health effects due to poor air quality at the Johnson County Aquatic Center in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. This report aims to provide an overview of the situation and highlight the impact on the swimmers, as well as address the need for improved air quality measures in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background

The affected swimmers were participating in the USA Swimming Central Zone Championships, which showcased the top swimmers under the age of 14 in the entire region. However, the air quality at the aquatic center was so poor that it led to severe health issues among the participants.

Impact on Swimmers

• Many swimmers reported struggling to breathe, experiencing nausea, burning eyes, and even passing out.
• Riley Dunnett, a swimmer from Illinois, expressed her difficulty in breathing even after leaving the water.
• Other swimmers also highlighted the thickness of the air, making it challenging to stay indoors.

Parent Concerns

Alicin Skinner, a parent of a swimmer, voiced her concerns about the detrimental air quality and its impact on the health of the swimmers. She emphasized that people were getting sick and passing out due to the poor conditions.

Medical Attention

Multiple children were taken to the hospital as a result of the adverse effects of the poor air quality. FOX4 reached out to the Johnson County Med-ACT for further information.

Withdrawal of Iowa Team

The conditions were so severe that the entire team from Iowa decided to withdraw from the competition. Races on Friday night were stopped, and the race day on Saturday was shortened due to the circumstances.

Disappointment and Frustration

Maggie Schlippe, a participant in the competition, expressed her disappointment in not being able to achieve her best times due to the unfavorable environment. Alicin Skinner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the swimmers had worked hard all year to reach this level of competition, only to perform poorly because of the poor air quality.

Response from Shawnee Mission School District

FOX4 reached out to the Shawnee Mission School District, which acknowledged the concerns and collaborated with the Johnson County Parks and Recreation to address the issue. Efforts were made to improve the air quality and ensure the aquatic center was safe for use.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This incident highlights the importance of addressing air quality issues in line with the SDGs, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. It is crucial to provide a safe and healthy environment for athletes and individuals participating in sports activities.

Conclusion

The poor air quality at the Johnson County Aquatic Center during the USA Swimming Central Zone Championships had a significant impact on the health and performance of the swimmers. It is imperative for authorities to prioritize air quality measures to ensure the well-being of athletes and align with the SDGs.

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

The article highlights the health issues faced by youth swimmers due to poor air quality at a Johnson County aquatic center. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions the concerns raised by parents about the environment and conditions at the aquatic center. This relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

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

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• 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.

The article highlights the negative health effects experienced by swimmers due to poor air quality at the aquatic center. This aligns with Target 3.9, which aims to reduce illnesses caused by air pollution. Additionally, the concerns raised by parents about the environment and conditions at the aquatic center relate to Target 11.6, which focuses on improving air quality in cities.

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

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities.

The article mentions the health issues faced by swimmers due to poor air quality, indicating the need for measuring the mortality rate attributed to ambient air pollution (Indicator 3.9.1). Additionally, the concerns raised by parents about the environment and conditions at the aquatic center highlight the importance of monitoring the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities (Indicator 11.6.2).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: fox4kc.com

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