Air Pollution
Just last week the list of the most hazardous cities in regards to air quality was released. Sadly, on the heels of that report, is a report that it may be far worse than originally expected.
Pollution levels have historically been calculated using sensors on the ground. Because of a lack of resources and funding in many populated areas, a scientist decided to use satellite data to see if they could determine air pollution levels. What they found is that particulates are 5 to 10 times higher than guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
At this point, there is nothing reported about remedies to the situation. More than likely, a cross section of scientists will look at the data, determine its statistical significance and evaluate future methods of measuring air quality.
In the meantime, be aware that the air might not be as clean as we think.
by Jennifer Jaykins
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Web Design Kent on Fri, 19th Feb 2010 12:32 am
One of the most dangerous air pollutants is cigarette smoke. Restricting smoking is an important key to a healthier environment. Legislation to control smoking is in effect in some locations, but personal exposure should be monitored and limited wherever possible.
social bookmarking on Fri, 19th Feb 2010 11:53 pm
I do agree with you Kent. The air pollution emitted by cigarettes is 10 times greater than diesel car exhaust. Environmental tobacco smoke produces fine particulate matter, which is the most dangerous element of air pollution for health.
Wyndrayder on Fri, 15th Apr 2011 10:39 am
I have to step in on this one. I do respect both Ken and Social’s views on cigarette smoke as a pollutant. I am a casual smoker. Which means I will smoke huka with my buddies and occasionally have a cigar. I love smoking socially. I love is so much in fact, that I won’t defile it with a cigarette. Cigarettes are gross.
That being said, let’s not demonize tabacco because the tabacco industry puts a whole bunch of other garbage in cigarettes. I guarantee you if you take the dagers of burning organic tobacco and compair them to diesel fuel, the fuel will come out worse 100 out of 100 times. Tabacco is just a plant. It’s no more dangerous to burn than fire wood.
Cracking down on people’s rights to indulge in their drug of choice is still cracking down on people’s rights. Every time you take a right away, it harms the society. The reality is, people are gonna smoke what they want, regardless of the laws. If you doubt that, I advise you to read up on what happened during prohibition.
Why is it that we can’t find a middle road? I mean how hard would it be to go to the tabacco companies and say, “you can only put tabacco in your cigarettes” ? That way we are stoping the burning of harmful chemicals and not taking away the rights of people. Regulate the problem, not the cloak of the problem.
And if you are saying to yourself, “what if I wanna smoke rat poison?” I’m not saying you can’t. Feel free to go pick it up at the store and indulge. It’s your body.
For the rest of you, please don’t slam those of us who want to have a beer and blow smoke rings at the bar. I can guarantee you that my water filtered smoke is nothing when put against mini van emissions.
If you don’t believe me, well I do live in Utah. You know, the state with 3 of the top 10 worst air qualities in the nation. The mormons make sure that smoking is restricted to the max here. It’s not the problem. The mass hord of minivans is.