San Diego-area health impacts from air pollution among worst in US: report
San Diego-area health impacts from air pollution among worst in US: report FOX 5 San Diego
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Is San Diego’s Air Quality Impacting Residents’ Health?
According to the “Health of Air” report, San Diego’s air quality is indeed impacting the overall health of its residents. The report, which includes contributions from health researchers from multiple U.S. research institutions, reveals that areas such as San Diego, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, and Vista are experiencing air pollution levels higher than those recommended by the American Thoracic Society.
Rankings of Adverse Health Impacts
The specific areas mentioned in the report were ranked in various categories based on data collected between 2018-2020:
- No. 13 in the U.S. for the highest number of adverse health impacts from fine particle pollution, including:
- 263 excess deaths from particle pollution
- 54 new cases of lung cancer
- 4,700 occurrences of various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities from particle pollution
- 330,000 adversely impacted days
- No. 7 in the U.S. for the highest number of health impacts from ozone pollution, including:
- 200 excess deaths from ozone pollution
- 14,200 occurrences of various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities from ozone pollution
- 1 million adversely impacted days
- No. 8 in the U.S. overall for the highest number of health impacts from total air pollution
The full rankings in each category can be found here.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The findings of this report align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals aim to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities, as well as promote sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The adverse health impacts caused by air pollution in San Diego highlight the importance of SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. Efforts should be made to reduce air pollution levels and mitigate its effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The high levels of air pollution in San Diego also emphasize the need for sustainable cities and communities, as outlined in SDG 11. Measures should be taken to improve air quality through stricter regulations, effective air quality management strategies, and international collaborations.
Contributing Factors to Air Pollution
The “Health of Air” report identifies two main factors contributing to the air pollution in San Diego:
- Emissions from wildland fires: The study suggests that emissions from both large and small fires play a role in air quality and health burdens. It emphasizes the cumulative impacts of smaller fires that occur daily.
- Air quality management strategies: The proximity of these areas to Mexico, which follows separate air quality laws, may affect air quality management strategies outside what is required by the Clean Air Act.
It is important to note that not all air pollution can be easily addressed through revisions to national air quality standards, as stated by the American Thoracic Society.
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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Excess deaths from particle pollution
- New cases of lung cancer
- Occurrences of various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities from particle pollution
- Adversely impacted days
- Excess deaths from ozone pollution
- Occurrences of various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities from ozone pollution
- Adversely impacted days
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 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: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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: Climate Action | SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. |
|
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: fox5sandiego.com
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