Air Pollution News Bytes: 09-06-07

Pollution Sensor for Children
If your child suffers from asthma or allergies, new technology being developed by the University of Cincinnati, Washington University, NASA, Glenn Research Center and the National Institutes of Health may help them avoid areas with high levels of particulate pollution. Fine soot particles or particulate matter (PM) can aggravate asthmatic symptoms.

Using a geographic information system coupled with a pollution sensor, the device can be worn during the day by the child to record specific locations of high PM. Originally developed for use by astronauts, the device will be field-tested by 8 year olds participating in the University of Cincinnati Department of Environmental Health's Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study.

WVU Gets $2.1 Million to Study Air Pollution's Effect on the Heart
West Virginia University researcher, Dr. Timothy R. Nurkiewicz, was awarded a $2.1 million grant to study the health impact of particulate matter and engineered nanoparticles on the cardiovascular system. Research will cover possible risks related to inhaling particulate, such as impairing the ability of blood vessels to dilate and immune system activation - meaning blood vessels are not capable of getting bigger, therefore blood flow is inhibited.

“Our hypothesis is that combustion source particulate matter impairs the vascular and immune systems in such a manner that blood flow to tissues is greatly compromised,” Nurkiewicz said. “We’re focusing primarily on diesel particles because they’re environmentally relevant and one of the most prolific components of ambient air pollution.”

Particulate matter is one of six common pollutants currently regulated by the EPA.

EPA Sued Over Ship Pollution
Earthjustice, representing Friends of the Earth, have sued the EPA for failing to meet a deadline to regulate large ship pollution. According to Earthjustice, the EPA has indefinitely postponed a deadline to set emissions standards for ship engines. The suit was filed on Sept. 5th in federal district court.

Large ocean-going vessels emit high levels of diesel exhaust, with smokestack emissions from global shipping expected to double over North America within the next decade. One cruise ship docked can emit pollution equal to 350,000 cars, with major ports having hundreds of ships in port each month.

"Air quality in port cities like Seattle and Oakland takes a beating every time a large ship pulls into dock," said Teri Shore of Friends of the Earth. "The Bush EPA promised to act months ago to rein in ship smokestack pollution, but instead they have delayed regulations. Port communities are fed up and suffering, that's why we went to court today."

"In Los Angeles alone, the ships in port spew more pollution than the metro area's six million cars combined. Residents of nearby neighborhoods have high rates of respiratory illness and the region's highest cancer risk. We're taking action today to fix this health hazard," said Sarah Burt of Earthjustice.

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Find out:
How diesel particulate filters are used to reduce toxic particulate matter in air pollution. View videos of the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter at work.