Suburb fumes over air pollution

COMMUNITY representatives in Broomhill are to keep up the pressure for traffic improvements and action to tackle air pollution in the suburb and shopping centre.

They meet next week when they will consider the results of a symposium that heard council evidence that levels of nitrogen dioxide in parts of Sheffield, including on the A57 through the middle of Broomhill, are exceeding European limits and pose a serious risk to health.

“While local steps are being taken to reduce harmful emissions, such as the introduction of hybrid buses on the 120 and 52 bus routes, further measures will be necessary,” says a report by Broomhill Forum.

“Despite these efforts, there is increasing evidence that pollution levels are rising in some locations, as modern diesel engines emit finer particles and more NO2.”

In the short-term, the community organisation is pursuing a range of initiatives such as maintaining pressure on the council to make it safer for pedestrians to cross to the Crookes junction, asking local schools to encourage parents not to leave engines running while they wait to pick up their children, researching the type of traffic travelling through the shopping centre, pressing the benefits of car sharing and cycle training and urging the council not to licence old, inefficient black taxis.

In the longer term, it would like to see a ‘park and ride’ on the west side of Sheffield and even an extension of Supertram through Broomhill – and also on Ecclesall Road and Chesterfield Road.

via Suburb fumes over air pollution – Local – Sheffield Telegraph.

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London Games least polluted Olympics in recent times

Favourable weather and good planning avoided major air pollution problems during the Olympics, prompting the University of Manchester to suggest that the London Games may have been the least polluted Olympics in recent times. Good news, but the Games were not pollution free.

In the final four days of the Games, air began circulating over England and the near continent causing increases in ground level ozone. Increased air pollution presents a health risk to us all but it can be a much bigger problem for marathon runners due to sheer volumes of air that they breathe during the race. By scheduling the race in the morning the organisers avoided the afternoon peak in ground level ozone, and pollution was below the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.

via Pollutionwatch: London Games least polluted Olympics in recent times | Environment | The Guardian.

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America’s 10 Most Polluted States

Half of all industrial toxic air pollution comes from power plants, and 6,700 power plants and heavy industries are responsible for 80 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Coal- and oil-fired power plants contribute 44 percent of all toxic air pollution. Toxic mercury and emissions from the country’s electricity sector are estimated to cause tens of thousands of premature deaths, heart attacks, asthma cases and chronic bronchitis every year.

While there are varying lists of America’s most toxic states, we’ll focus on the latest top 10 list from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which ranks states in terms of overall industrial pollution, along with reporting from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Many of the US’ most toxic states have seen a reduction of pollution over the past several years, but a federal court of appeals ruling to scrap an EPA regulation on “Cross-State Air Pollution,” designed to reduce air pollution carried from one state to another. Power plants had been expecting this ruling to be approved for over a year, and had adjusted their practices accordingly. The immediate reaction to the federal court’s scrapping of the rule resulted in a queuing up of power plants to abandon preparations for this compliance. Likewise, the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics standards (MATs), designed to cut mercury air pollution beginning in 2015 by 79 percent from 2010 levels failed in the Senate in June.

So where are we now? Well, we’re stuck with this list of states that are the most toxic, and while much progress has been made, the list is likely to contain the usual suspects next year and fewer improvements on pollution.

via America’s 10 Most Polluted States – US Business News – CNBC.

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FAQ: How long does the Bandit™ last before it needs replacing?

How long does the Bandit™ last before it needs replacing?

Under normal conditions the Bandit™ will provide the user with approximately six months protection. The Bandit incorporates D.A.C.C. which is specially coated so that it can be washed. It should be washed on a regular basis to maintain optimum performance. Immerse in a pan of boiling water (this releases the petroleum compounds pounds which are attracted to the D.A.C.C.) and leave to cool. Then wash in warm water using a non-automatic washing powder, rinse and leave to dry.

For more FAQ,  go to Respro® Mask FAQ

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Singapore in year’s worst pollution as Indonesia haze hits

As of midday local time (0400 GMT) the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading ranged from 60 to 72, according to the government agency for the environment.

A reading between 51 to 100 is in the moderate range.

The reading also carries a health advisory to reduce outdoor activities and prolonged exertion.

The smoky conditions blanketed the island from Thursday.

The haze was a result of “an increase in hotspot activities observed over Sumatra” in the past week, the agency said on its website.

via BBC News – Singapore in year’s worst pollution as Indonesia haze hits.

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Summer brings spike in ozone pollution

The searing summer in St. Louis has helped drive ozone levels to the highest levels seen in five years, killing the region’s chances for meeting federal standards any time soon.

Data from air monitors across the region quantify the extent of the problem. From April 1 through the end of August, the 11 ozone monitors recorded 172 instances in which concentrations exceeded federal standards. And there’s still almost two months remaining before the ozone season ends on Oct. 31. Ground-level ozone, a colorless gas, can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate other respiratory ailments.

“We are continuing to have one of the worst ozone seasons in recent years,” Wendy Vit, air quality planning section chief for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, told members of the state’s Air Conservation Commission during a meeting in Jefferson City last week.

via Summer brings spike in ozone pollution : Stltoday.

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FAQ: Do I need to replace the valves?

Do I need to replace the valves?

The valves should not need replacing on a regular basis assuming that they are maintained properly. On a monthly basis, it is advisable to flush the valves through with warm water, allow to dry and apply a little talcum powder to prevent the valve from sticking. On the Powa valve, it is essential that you locate the two pins, nearest the hinge, properly into the body of the valve, and check that they are seated properly.

For more FAQ,  go to Respro® Mask FAQ

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Heavy smoke in Salmon prompts health advisory, Treasure Valley’s air inches into ‘good’ range

Air quality in Lemhi and Custer counties has hit the “very unhealthy” category, prompting warnings from the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to stay indoors as much as possible; older adults, young children and those with medical conditions will be most affected, but it’s bad enough that everyone is being advised to avoid heavy work or exercise outdoors in the affected areas. “Salmon’s getting inundated with smoke,” said Mike Toole of the Idaho DEQ. “They’re in the ‘very unhealthy’ category continually.”

via Heavy smoke in Salmon prompts health advisory, Treasure Valley’s air inches into ‘good’ range – Eye On Boise – Spokesman.com – Sept. 4, 2012.

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