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on 26-03-2008 08:52
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Published in : Issues, Issues |
Air Pollution: Imperial County Gets Failing Grade in American Lung Association's Annual Nationwide State of the Air Report
(El Centro, CA) Despite improvements in air quality over the last decade, Imperial Valley continues to rate "F" grades in the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air Report. The report evaluates data for particulate-matter pollution and for ozone. The American Lung Association's State of the Air: 2008 report used the most current quality-assured air pollution data from 2004, collected by the state air pollution control agencies and reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Due to the lead time required for the report, the American Lung Association used the EPA's 1997 standard for ozone levels rather than the new tighter standard announced March 12, 2008. Click here to view full report or visit stateoftheair.org .
The high levels of air pollution in Imperial County help to show that the community is in great health risk. The 2005 California Breathing program found that children in Imperial County are 6.4 times likelier than other children in the state to be admitted to the hospital for asthma.
On April 29, 2008 a press conference was held to release the local results of the State of the Air Report. Special thanks to our guest speakers (Brad Poiriez- Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer, Dr. Jorge Robles- El Centro Regional Medical Center Chief of Staff, David Oceguera- Pastor) for discussing air quality in the Valley from an agency, medical, and community perspective.
"Care about your AIR."
1.Support reduced diesel emissions rule : If you would like to sign a petition post card to encourage the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop a strong rule regarding heavy-duty diesel vehicles now in use, please call 760-355-8797 or email
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2. Get involved in the SIP Process : Attend and have your voice heard at meetings that the Air Pollution Control District is hosting in order to develop the State Implementation Plan that will outline strategies that will reduce air pollution in the county.
3. Monitor the quality of air in the Imperial Valley at imperialvalleyair.org : Families concerned with asthma or lung disease should sign up for air quality alerts that are sent automatically by the EPA and Air Pollution Control District.
4. Report Air Pollution to the APCD : If a member of the community sees excess dust from a construction site, feedlot, uncontrolled burn, etc. it needs to be reported to the APCD at 760-482-4606.
Last update : 05-05-2008 18:50
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