Health and Well-being
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
We tend to believe that we have made great strides in cleaning up our air since the passage of the Clean Air Act first enacted in 1963, and amended many times since then. We enjoy air with significantly reduced pollutants like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrocarbons.
Yet still as many as 20,000 deaths per year stem from the pollution – specifically the so-called particulate matter pollution that remains a persistent threat to human health. These tiny particles, less than 10 micrometers, can be inhaled deep into the lungs and from there into the bloodstream. The really small particles, designated PM2.5, are the biggest concern. It is believed that over 90% of children around the world breathe air with PM2.5 pollution that exceeds WHO guidelines.
2023 was a bad year for PM2.5 pollution in North America. Climate change drove an explosive wildfire season in Canada and the smoke from those fires created widespread air pollution emergencies across Canada and the US It is likely to be as bad or worse this summer, so it may be time for you to acquaint yourself with the Air Quality Index and the impact the particulate pollution (and ozone) from wildfires may have on your health.
There were widespread AQI red alerts during the summer of 2023 because of Canadian wildfires. These “unhealthy AQI” alerts can be triggered by particulate pollution or ozone that are at a high enough concentration that it was recommended that everyone limit outdoor exertion with specially sensitive for active children, older adults and those with respiratory issues.
In some areas for some time the AQI was a maroon alert, meaning the air was so hazardous that everyone is at risk for serious health effects. This could become the new normal for the immediate future, as long as the burning of our landscape is fueled by climate change.
The impact of air pollution is also an issue of equity. The EPA published a study in 2021 that said, in part, that “in the United States, people of color breathe more particulate air pollution on average, a finding that holds across income levels and regions of the US”. But even with recently enacted regulations on particulate pollution, without enforcement we are still facing the prospect of prolonged unhealthy air.
There is much you can do to amplify the call for air quality standards enforcement. But the climate change driven wildfire pollution, depending where you live, likely constitutes a a danger to your health and that of your family and community.
To protect yourself and your family, consider two solutions: an AQI sensor and improved air filtration. Heidi recommends considering PurpleAir sensors for your home. With a PurpleAir sensor, you become part of an ever-growing network that can map air quality in real time.
Consider donating PurpleAir sensors to your school, church, or community organization. You use the sensors and the networked AQI data they generate as a teaching tool on air quality. And those groups become a part of the PurpleAir sensor network through your action. “Get a sensor and become a community scientist!” And you can have access to high fidelity data for your research projects.
We also need to tend to our indoor air quality. A sensor can help keep track of your own environment and provide warning for you to enhance your air filtration. In a maroon alert, we are all advised to stay indoors, but if your indoor air quality is compromised, you remain at risk. Room air purifiers and strategically placed HEPA filters can be part of your toolkit.
One of the simplest solutions is the so-called Corsi-Roesenthal Box which consists of four HVAC particulate filters attached to form a cube, with a box fan affixed on top. Room air is effectively pulled through the filters and trapped. The design is inexpensive and effective and is a key strategy in mitigating the effects of air pollution on your health. For newer houses, placing one of these air purifiers near your fresh air intake can have a major impact on the quality of your air. Highly recommended!
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 75: Prepare for More Pests
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