Air pollution has been a critical topic of concern among the environmental issues. Most people ignore this issue and think it has less impact on them since they contribute less to air pollution. For examples, not driving often thus not contributing to emissions from their cars. San Antonio, Texas, is where I live, and the city's population is quickly growing and in few years, it may be one of the biggest cities. Air pollution needs to be addressed cautiously to mitigate its effects on our environment. This paper looks into the general impact of air pollution in San Antonio, Texas, by discussing its effects on the environment, human life, economy, social and political responses. As well looking into sustainable solutions to the problem and personal impact of the issue.
There are varieties of substances that contribute to air pollution. It is essential to understand the hazardous and common pollutants present or can be emitted in Texas and across the nation. The common air pollutants are ground-level ozone, particles pollutants, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, and sulfur dioxide (E.P.A. Gov., 2019). The dangerous air pollutants that can mostly be found in Texas State are benzene in gasoline, methylene chloride found in paints and solvents, perchloroethylene, toluene, metals, and asbestos (E.P.A. Gov., 2019). The Clean Air Act has also played a part in limiting the usage and production of air pollutants since enacted in 1970, preventing further destruction of the Ozone layer (E.P.A. Gov., 2019). Besides, several areas in Texas do not satisfy the Clean Air Act due to air pollutants produced in these areas. The main areas include Dallas, El Paso, and Houston. These areas should be highly prioritized to satisfy the Clean Air Act.
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Air pollution has many effects on humans, especially by creating problems such as breathing conditions, allergies and asthma (Environment Texas, 2020). This is due to the high number of vehicles present in the cities that emit hazardous pollutants, causing breathing difficulties. This has led to some people using masks while moving around to prevent more damage to their lungs. Furthermore, excess carbon monoxide in the air can cause eye irritation leading to tearing up or itchy eyes. Excess emission of smoke from burning items usually results to more carbon monoxide in the air.
The cost incurred in controlling the effects caused by air pollution in humans is enormous. For instance, someone diagnosed with asthma will feel the economic strain because they have to incur insurance costs to control the condition. This depends on the insurance company, prescriptions, the regular check-ups, and emergency visits. Also, considering the number of asthmatic people reported in 2010 in the United States, 1.7 million, explains how air pollution can be a critical problem to these people (Andrew, 2019). Furthermore, scientists at Harvard University and Environmental Defense Fund discovered that in 2015, 5,213 people in Texas died prematurely because of particulate matter exposure, which caused respiratory complications most of them. Air pollution contributed to more than $49 billion in economic loss (Environment Texas, 2020). It is estimated that the number may double by 2030 if there will be no sustainable solution to the air pollution problem.
Texas is one of the largest producers of gas and oil in the United States. It is more sensible than it takes responsibility for contributing to the air pollution in the United States. Also, there are websites, news stations, and several environmental websites that keep the public informed about the latest information on air quality in our surroundings and across Texas (Airnow, 2019). Several news stations in San Antonio update the public on air quality each day and provide forecasts in advance (Airnow, 2019). Accessing the air quality information one has to key in their zip code and get the information about the present conditions, particles, and pollutant data in the air.
Environmental agencies in Texas are alert in keeping track of the State's companies and the amount of air pollution they contribute. For instance, in 2017, Environmental Integrity Project discovered that 275 companies emitted about 63 million pounds of hazardous pollutants that can impact climate change (Collier et al., 2019). The amount emitted surpassed the previous year's amount by 27%. It is also assumed that Hurricane Harvey's epic flooding resulted from the emissions during the oil boom and the burning of natural gas in West Texas. This information was recounted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ); however, the companies hardly get fined for the emissions (Collier et al., 2019). Texas legislation received a report that concerned eliminating the companies that are not responsible of their emissions or paying penalties. The issue is with the court due to TCEQ's refusal to eradicate the problem.
Sustainable Solutions
There is a need to find sustainable solutions to the air pollution problem. Solutions that will enable environmentalists, legislators, private contributors, environmental agencies, and any other person concerned with the quality of air in the State. Technology has remarkably contributed to finding a sustainable solution to this problem. The development of the BenMap software program has helped control pollution. The software functions by tracking information and reports on cities' air quality to identify health effects, economic concerns and monitoring air pollution intensities (EPA.gov., 2019). The information collected is then used to inform and educate the public about the effects of high carbon dioxide emissions. The data is also helpful in decision-making when reported to the government and federal agencies as directed in the Clean Air Act.
The BenMap program was first launched in 2003, and it is regularly updated to improve its services (EPA.org., 2019). The current version of the program is BenMap version 4.0, which is available for installation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for funding the program, though the cost is not clear (EPA.org., 2019). BenMap is also available on the Environmental Protection Agency website for download.
The software program has several advantages when installed. It enables someone to follow up air quality trends by being aware of the difference between the initial level of air pollution and levels after some variations (EPA.org., 2019). The program also offers estimates of health effects, which approximates the percentage adjustment in the risk of an adversative health effect because of a unit change in the air pollution. The software can also provide an approximation of the number of people vulnerable to air pollution. BenMap can help provide a health incidence rate, which is the average count of people who perish from acute health effects in a particular population over a range of time (EPA.org., 2019). The government usually collects this health information.
There are also several disadvantages of the software program. When the software somehow breaks down, the data collected could be lost; they should have backup storage for the data. Also, when wrong information or incorrect calculations are made, it could misinform people over time. Similarly, when the software is not updated regularly, information loss or data fluctuations will lead to publishing of incorrect information.
Air pollution causes a wide range of effects from human life to environmental risks. For instance, the Ozone layer reliefs lives on earth by protecting the planet from the harmful ultraviolet radiation caused by the sun. Nevertheless, when the Ozone layer is highly destructed, it indicates an environmental and health concern (Andrew, 2019). Persistence in air pollution will lead to Ozone layer weakening by allowing the harmful rays to penetrate across the earth hence affecting both human life and the environment.
Personal Impact
I was not aware that I had several personal routines that contributed to air pollution in San Antonio. For instance, I regularly drive all over places for some little things or sometimes even for nothing as a result my vehicle releasing toxic gases. Sometimes I would get into my car and drive to stores gets some treats or other minor items. I also use the car to visit family and friends regularly, sometimes during the week and on weekends. Utilizing the vehicle regularly, even when unnecessary, contributes to air pollution due to the emissions from the vehicle.
To solve the issues and individually contributing less to air pollution, I need to make a plan. For instance, making a list of items I need and purchasing them at once to prevent unnecessary movement to and from the stores and limiting regular road trips to the city. I should also make use of fast-food delivery apps and Rideshare apps to minimize using my vehicle to go for food. I also opt to make use of public transportation sometimes to different destinations.
I have learned a lot about air pollution and its impact on human beings and the environment. I will make it an individual quest to create awareness to my family, friends, and neighbors about the threat we face if we will not be conscious of our environment. The information can also effectively reach more people through the internet. Therefore, make use of the information to prevent people from contributing more to the destruction of the Ozone layer. I also have to consider volunteering opportunities and any local environmental club which will help directly participate in conservation issues. Learning more about environmental conservation is helpful, and that is how one becomes better off in looking towards a cleaner and greener future.
References
Airnow.gov. (2019). Texas Air Quality Index. Environmental Protection Agency and Partners . https://www.airnow.gov
Andrew, G. (2019). Fine Scale Damage Estimate of Particulate Air Pollution. National Academics of Sciences . Vol. 116, 8776-8780. Doi: 10.1073/pnas.1816102116
Collier, R, Martha, L., Amy, E. & Robert, W. (2019). Estimating the Health and Economic Impacts of Changes in Local Air Quality. American journal of Public health . Vol. 26, (3) 16-22. https://ajph.aphapublications.org
Environment Texas. (2020). Illegal Air Pollution in Texas. Environment Texas Research and Policy Center. https://www.environmenttexas.org
EPA.gov. (2019). E.P.A. Approves Texas' Clean Air Plan for the Ozone layer. United States Environmental Protection Agency . https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases
EPA.gov. (2019). Managing Air Quality – Air Pollutant Types. United States Environmental Protection Agency . https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process
EPA.org. (2019). Air Pollution: Current and Future Challenges. United States Environmental Protection Agency . https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act
