ES233_24_Air_Pollution_and_Energy_Climate_Policy_10-24-24

Air Pollution Overview

• Course Title: Air Pollution ES233 Environmental Policy

• Date: October 24, 2024

Pittsburgh Case Study

• 1840s: Industries proliferated along the Monongahela River due to accessible coal.

• 1860: Population reached 50,000 in Pittsburgh, dubbed the "dirtiest city" (Atlantic Monthly's phrase: "hell with the lid taken off").

• 1868: First air pollution ordinance introduced, but was unsuccessful.

• 1900: Pittsburgh emerged as the nation's steel capital, significantly influenced by Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan.

• 1940s-1950s: Introduction of gas pipelines provided affordable natural gas, leading to notable air quality improvements.

• Quote: "Where there's smoke, there's money!"

• Historical Images:

  • 1906 view of smokestacks from Union Station.

  • 1890 image of smoke from a Pittsburgh steel mill.

Donora Case Study

• Location: Donora, PA

• Event: "Donora Death Fog" on Halloween night, 1948.

  • Description: A cloud of industrial gas and smog resulted in air pollution inversion lasting four days.

  • Outcome: 20 deaths and 7,000 hospitalizations, highlighting major air pollution’s health impacts.

  • Pollutants Included:

    • Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

    • Carbon monoxide (CO)

    • Metal dust

• Significance: This disaster spurred discussions on environmental regulation and public health.

Mobile Sources of Air Pollution (1948)

• Visual Evidence: L.A. Civic Center obscured by smog (Courtesy: UCLA Library Special Collections).

Early Legislation on Air Quality

• Key Acts:

  • 1955: Air Pollution Control Act

  • 1960: Motor Vehicle Control Act

  • 1965: Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Act

  • 1963: Clean Air Act

  • 1967: Air Quality Act (amendment to the 1963 act)

• Takeaway: Awareness of air pollution issues existed for decades, but policies were often insufficient.

Clean Air Act of 1970

• Significance: First effective national law for air pollution control.

• Uniform Standards: Introduced national approaches rather than flexible local standards.

• Criticism: Varying health impacts and costs across locations (urban vs rural).

• Requirements for:

  • Stationary sources (e.g., power plants)

  • Mobile sources (e.g., automobiles)

• EPA's Role: Tasked with developing National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards.

NAAQS Overview

• Criteria Pollutants: Six identified: ozone, particulates, lead, SO2, NOx, and CO.

• Primary Standards: Focus on protecting human health with a safety margin.

• Secondary Standards: Take into account environmental impacts on animals, vegetation, etc.

• Review Process: EPA reviews NAAQS every five years based on the latest scientific research.

Sources of Air Pollution

• National Emissions Breakdown:

  • Categories: Stationary fuel, industrial, highway, non-road combustion, and vehicles.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

• Pollution Types: Natural vs anthropogenic emissions and their effects on health such as respiratory disease and cardiovascular disorder.

• Vulnerable Groups: Children, elderly, and pregnant women identified at higher risk for adverse health outcomes.

• Mitigation Strategies: Suggested actions including the use of air purifiers and wearing respirators in polluted areas.

Ozone

• Definition: Ground-level (bad) ozone forms from NOx and VOC in the presence of sunlight.

• Health Effects: Causes respiratory problems, particularly among vulnerable populations. Symptoms include:

  • Coughing and throat irritation

  • Difficulty breathing deeply

  • Increased susceptibility to lung infections

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

• Source: Primarily from burning fuel including vehicles and power plants.

• Health Effects: Short-term exposure can exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

• Source: Primarily from burning fossil fuels in power plants.

• Health Effects: Can harm the respiratory system and cause breathing difficulties.

Particulate Matter (PM)

• Types:

  • PM10: Inhalable particles <10 micrometers.

  • PM2.5: Fine inhalable particles <2.5 micrometers.

• Health/Environmental Sources: Emissions from construction sites, vehicle exhaust, and industrial processes.

• Health Risks: Linked to chronic lung diseases and cardiovascular problems.

Recent Updates on PM Regulation

• Biden Administration (2022): Implementation of new emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles to reduce pollution levels. Expected impact includes:

  • 60% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions by 2045.

  • Prevention of 2,100 premature deaths and 18,000 pediatric asthma cases annually.

Lead Pollution

• Sources: Including ore processing, aviation fuel, and waste management.

• Health Effects: Affects neurological systems, especially in children, and is linked to various developmental disorders.

• Success Metrics: Air lead levels dropped by 98% from 1980 to 2014 due to CAA initiatives.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Nature: Colorless, odorless gas harmful in high quantities.

• Sources: Vehicle emissions, household appliances, and burns fossil fuels.

• Health Risks: Reduces oxygen transport in bloodstream, particularly affecting the heart and brain.

State Implementation Plans (SIPs)

• Purpose: State regulations directed towards achieving EPA's NAAQ.

• Compliance Issues: Non-attainment areas face federal sanctions, posing challenges in enforcing strict emissions controls.

Major Legislative Amendments

• 1977 Amendments: Introduced New Source Performance Standards; existing plants often exempted.

• 1990 Amendments: Established a cap-and-trade system to reduce SO2 emissions related to acid rain.

  • Notable reductions achieved by 2005.

Success of the Clean Air Act (CAA)

• Pollutant Trends: Significant declines in pollutants since 1990:

  • CO: 79% reduction

  • Lead: 85% reduction

  • NO2: 61% reduction

  • PM10: 32% reduction

  • Overall air quality showed consistent improvements leading to better public health outcomes.

What type of quiz would you like to create? You can specify categories such as multiple choice, true/false, or short answer questions related to air pollution and its effects.

What type of quiz would you like to create? You can specify categories such as multiple choice, true/false, or short answer questions related to air pollution and its effects.