Brian Barton
Maryland's air quality has improved in recent years, but pollution remains a pressing issue, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington region, which has some of the worst smog and soot pollution in the nation. The state's power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities are major sources of harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), mercury, and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants have been linked to various health problems, including asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. While Maryland has implemented measures such as the Maryland Healthy Air Act and the Maryland Clean Cars Program to reduce emissions, certain counties, including Baltimore, continue to struggle with poor air quality.
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What You'll Learn
Maryland's power plants emit dangerous pollutants
Maryland's power plants also release toxic mercury, which taints the fish in the Bay, posing risks to both the environment and human health. Coal-fired power plants are the worst offenders, with over 95% of power plant emissions in Maryland originating from these plants. The ash produced by these plants contains toxins such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and radium, which leach into groundwater and surface water. This contamination has severe ecological and health consequences.
In addition to mercury, Maryland's power plants emit other hazardous metals and fine particulate matter. The EPA's revision to the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards aims to significantly reduce emissions of these pollutants. The rule lowers the mercury limit by 70% for power plants using lignite coal and cuts toxic metal emissions by 67% for all coal plants. This regulation is expected to bring about substantial health and climate benefits, including reduced risks of heart attacks, cancer, and developmental delays in children.
The state's power plants also contribute to ozone pollution, with four counties—Ann Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Prince George's—receiving failing grades from the ALA for ozone pollution levels. Baltimore City, on the other hand, earned a C grade for ozone pollution, showcasing varying levels of pollution within the state. The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory further highlights the disparity, with Ann Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, and Prince George's counties reporting the highest number of toxic releases in 2021.
Maryland's reliance on coal-fired power plants has resulted in high levels of particulate matter pollution. Despite the health risks associated with this type of pollution, power plants in the state are not required to measure their particulate matter emissions. Instead, they monitor the "opacity" of their emissions, which is a poor indicator of particulate matter pollution levels. This inadequate standard allows emissions to spike once an hour, leading to increased particulate matter pollution. To protect public health, there are calls for all coal-fired power plants to measure particulate matter emissions, enabling the state to enforce its standards effectively.
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Gas-powered lawn equipment produces alarming air pollution
In Maryland, power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities are the main sources of pollution. Coal-fired power plants are the worst offenders, emitting harmful pollutants such as mercury, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These emissions contribute to particulate matter pollution, which is dangerously high in many of Maryland's counties.
While Maryland's pollution problem is largely driven by these major sources, gas-powered lawn equipment also contributes to alarming air pollution levels. In the United States, over 40 million acres of land are covered by lawns or turf grass. The maintenance of these lawns, particularly through the use of gas-powered equipment, contributes significantly to climate change. Gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and similar equipment produce ozone pollution and other harmful emissions. In fact, it is estimated that by 2020, these types of equipment could produce more ozone pollution than all the cars in California combined.
The environmental hazard posed by gas-powered lawn equipment is often overlooked. Most lawn equipment is gasoline-powered, typically using two-stroke or four-stroke engines. The fuel required for this equipment is substantial, amounting to about 800 million gallons of gasoline annually, with an additional 17 million gallons spilled during the fueling process. This contributes not only to air pollution but also to the carbon cost associated with lawn maintenance, which can outweigh the benefits of lawns as "carbon sinks."
To address the pollution caused by gas-powered lawn equipment, several alternatives are available. Homeowners can opt for electric engines, which have become more affordable and offer long-lasting options with lower maintenance and easier storage. While electric mowers may have a higher upfront cost, the expense evens out over time due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, individuals can make adjustments to their mowing habits, such as reducing the frequency of mowing and opting for evening mowing to limit the release of pollutants.
Some policy changes have also been proposed and implemented in certain areas. In Washington, D.C., a group of residents successfully banned gas-powered leaf blowers, citing hearing loss concerns. Similar policies have been adopted in several cities in California, and a statewide ban has been considered. However, there is controversy surrounding the potential economic impact on small landscaping businesses and lower-income residents who may struggle with the higher cost of electric equipment. Nevertheless, with the growing awareness of the pollution caused by gas-powered lawn equipment, it is important to explore sustainable alternatives and practices to reduce the alarming levels of air pollution.
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Baltimore's air quality is improving but still poor
Baltimore's air quality has been improving since 1996, thanks to pollution mitigation efforts by Maryland and the federal government. However, it is still considered poor, with the city failing to meet federal attainment levels for ozone pollution.
Maryland's reliance on fossil fuels, energy-intensive industries, and vehicle usage contribute to high levels of pollution. In Baltimore, this is exacerbated by city sources such as building heating, traffic, and industry, as well as out-of-city and out-of-state sources carried by wind. Baltimore's ozone problem, in particular, is largely a result of power plant and vehicle emissions from nearby states such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. These emissions, along with local sources, create a trapping effect, leading to increased pollution in the winter months.
Baltimore's air pollution levels pose health risks to its residents, with sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung disease, being particularly vulnerable. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a dominant pollutant in Baltimore's air. These tiny particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, and long-term exposure can aggravate heart and lung disease. In addition, NO2 and SO2, which are emitted from power plants and gas-burning vehicles, can react with other chemicals to form ozone and particulates, further contributing to air pollution.
To improve Baltimore's air quality, the city should focus on transitioning to electric vehicles or greener transport, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing stricter emission standards for industrial facilities. Working collaboratively with neighboring upwind states to reduce transboundary emissions will also be crucial in mitigating Baltimore's air pollution.
While Baltimore's air quality is improving, there is still much work to be done to ensure the health and well-being of its residents, especially those vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
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Maryland's water pollution is caused by industrial chemicals
Maryland's water pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including industrial chemicals, agriculture, and cities. Industrial facilities in Maryland have been found to release toxic chemicals into the state's waterways, posing a significant threat to the environment and public health.
According to a report by Environment Maryland, industrial facilities dumped approximately 1.36 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Maryland's waterways. These chemicals include arsenic, mercury, and benzene, which are linked to cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive issues. The report also highlights that Maryland is one of the top polluters in the country, with the Brandywine-Christina Watershed receiving 6.2 million pounds of toxic chemicals, the third-highest volume discharged into any watershed nationwide.
Baltimore's wastewater treatment plants have also been identified as a source of pollution, contaminating the Chesapeake Bay and causing an E. coli outbreak in the city's drinking water. The Maryland PIRG Foundation's report revealed that these plants released at least 94,000 pounds of toxic chemicals, including PFAS, into the state's rivers and watersheds in 2020.
Maryland's power plants, particularly coal-fired plants, contribute significantly to water pollution. These plants emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can form particulate matter and acid rain, damaging ecosystems and infrastructure. In addition, power plants release mercury, a toxic metal that taints the Bay's fish and poses risks to human health.
Agricultural practices also play a role in Maryland's water pollution. Excess nutrients from chemical fertilizers, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, cause an overgrowth of algae, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, runoff water from land carries pollutants into waterways, further degrading water quality.
Maryland's water pollution has severe consequences for both the environment and human health. The release of toxic chemicals has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other ailments. Moreover, the pollution disproportionately affects low-income and minority residents, as the most polluted areas tend to be those with vulnerable communities.
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Maryland's air pollution causes asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease
Maryland's air quality has improved in recent years, but certain counties still experience high levels of air pollution, which can have detrimental effects on human health. The air pollution in Maryland is caused by a variety of factors, including vehicle exhaust fumes, power plants, and industrial facilities. These sources release harmful pollutants into the air, such as NO2, SO2, greenhouse gases, and particulate matter, which have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate symptoms in those with the condition. Maryland's air pollution, particularly the high levels of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. According to the IQAir report, more than 40% of Americans still live in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution, which can have serious consequences for those with asthma.
Lung cancer is another serious health risk associated with air pollution in Maryland. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that particulate matter, such as that found in Maryland's air pollution, is a cause of lung cancer. Fine particles can enter deep into the lungs and contribute to the development of cancerous cells. Additionally, air pollution can interfere with the growth and function of the lungs, further increasing the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory issues. The American Lung Association also notes that people living near busy highways, where pollution levels are typically higher, are at an increased risk of developing lung illnesses.
Heart disease is also influenced by air pollution. Medical evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure in susceptible individuals. The tiny pollution particles in Maryland's air can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup in the artery walls, causing heart disease. Furthermore, long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of death from heart-related issues.
Maryland's air pollution, particularly the high levels of ozone and particulate matter, poses significant risks to the health of its residents. The pollutants released by vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities can lead to and exacerbate asthma, contribute to the development of lung cancer, and increase the risk of heart disease. While Maryland's air quality has shown improvements in recent years, continued efforts are necessary to reduce pollution levels and protect the health and well-being of Maryland residents.
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Frequently asked questions
The two major contributors to air pollution in Maryland are cars and power plants. In 2020, gas-powered lawn and garden equipment in Maryland emitted an estimated 597 tons of harmful "fine particulate" air pollution.
The main types of pollution emitted in Maryland are ozone and particle pollution. Particulate matter from power plants is a serious health threat as it can penetrate deeply into lung tissue and even enter the bloodstream.
Four Maryland counties—Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Prince George's—received failing grades for ozone pollution. Baltimore County had the worst ozone score, with about 6.7 days out of the year considered "code orange" days. The county also scored the highest for soot levels.
