The “Toxic 20,” a ranking of the states with the greatest levels of coal-fired power plant pollution, was produced for the second year in a row by the National Resources Defense Council. Tennessee comes in at number 11 on the list of the nation’s worst offenders.
“11th in industry toxic air pollution for 2010, releasing almost 9.6 million pounds of dangerous chemicals, accounting for 37% of state pollution & about 3% of environmental contamination from across all U.S. power plants,” according to an NRDC news release issued this afternoon.
The EPA’s Harmful Release Inventory, a collection of toxic emission data supplied to the governmental department of violating companies, was utilised in the study (available here). In addition, 1,250 pounds of mercury, a carcinogen, were released into the atmosphere in 2010 in Tennessee, placing it 21st on the list of states with the greatest amounts of mercury air emissions from industrial sources.
Kentucky was voted the worst polluter in the United States. Along with this, we have states such as Indiana (ninth), North Carolina (tenth), Georgia (10th), Florida (tenth), and Texas (10th).
Sen. Lamar Alexander’s opponents to the Obama Administration’s attempt to undermine national air & mercury standards — standards that’d reduce mercury pollution from coal-fired power stations from 34 tonnes per year to 7 tonnes per year by 2015 and virtually eliminate hydrochloric acid emissions — was highlighted in the release. Corker, Alexander’s Senate colleague, backed the elimination of the criteria.
Residents of Nashville may be at greater risk of health problems as a result of elevated levels of pollution in the air when the temperature rises. Asthma & chronic obstructive pulmonary patients, as well as youngsters, active adults and those with other respiratory conditions, may be at risk this week since the air quality is anticipated to be “Orange.”
Temperature-induced increases in ozone pollution together with pollution from other sources such as industries and automobiles have resulted in the poor air quality. It’s not a good idea to inhale ozone pollution, which is often referred to as “smog”.
The American Lung Association provides these six strategies for avoiding lung discomfort and health issues as a result of an increase in air pollution.
Precautions for children should be taken, since they are more vulnerable to the effects of pollution. Children’s lungs are still growing, so they take in more air per pound of bodyweight than adults. This means that they absorb more pollutants. Is if air quality is poor, limit your child’s outside play time.
Your windows & vents should be fully closed if you are travelling into an area with poor air quality. It’s best to have your car’s air conditioning in the “recirculate” mode at all times.
Indoors, those with lung or heart issues should keep doors, windows, and fireplace dampers closed and recycle clean air using air conditioners or air cleaners on days of poor air quality. Recirculating air conditioners may be used to avoid bringing in fresh air from the outside.
Active children, adults, and those with lung problems should avoid extended outdoor activity on days when ozone pollution is high.
Don’t contribute to air pollution by mowing the lawn, grilling with charcoal, or taking needless road excursions whenever the air quality is poor. It just contributes to the smog in the sky.
When the air pollution levels are high, make sure your family members who have lung illness are healthy and safe by calling or texting them.
