Kiera Jefferson
Alaska is known for its pristine natural landscapes, but it also has some of the most polluted areas in the United States. According to the American Lung Association's 2019 'State of the Air' report, Alaska's Fairbanks area is the third most polluted for annual particle pollution, with Mat-Su Borough and Anchorage also facing issues with air quality. The primary sources of pollution in Alaska include wood-burning stoves, vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions, and heating oil, which can have significant impacts on respiratory health and the environment. Understanding and addressing air pollution in Alaska is crucial, especially as climate change drives migration to northern areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas with particle pollution problems | Fairbanks, Mat-Su Borough |
| Major sources of pollution | Wood-burning stoves, vehicle exhaust systems, power plant emissions, heating oil |
| Health problems caused by pollution | Respiratory issues, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, dementia in adults, kidney failure, miscarriages and preterm births in pregnant women, inhibited lung development in children |
| Regulatory body | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| Compliance with air quality standards | Fairbanks area has been out of compliance since 2009 |
| Cleanest cities in Alaska | Cordova, Eagle River, Big Lake, Healy, Lazy Mountain |
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What You'll Learn
Fairbanks: particle pollution
Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city, has a persistent problem with particle pollution. In 2019, it was ranked as the third most polluted area for short-term particle pollution in the US. The city's particle pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including wood-burning stoves, vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions, and heating oil. The cold climate of Fairbanks, with temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees F or lower, makes the problem worse as warmer air traps cold, dirty air, preventing it from dissipating. This is known as a winter inversion.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough routinely exceeds limits set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for particle pollution. This type of pollution can be inhaled and cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, dementia in adults, kidney failure, miscarriages and preterm births in pregnant women, and impaired lung development in children. The situation is severe enough that nearly 50 scientists from the US and Europe travelled to Fairbanks over seven weeks in the winter of 2022 to study the sources of air pollution and how the contaminants interact in the city's cold and dark climate.
A major source of particle pollution in Fairbanks is wood-burning stoves, which are common due to the abundance and low cost of wood in the area, as well as the high cost of heating fuel. However, other sources, such as vehicle emissions and power plants, also contribute significantly to the city's air pollution. The mixture of pollutants from smouldering wood fires, cars, coal, and other sources releases additional chemicals that can be more harmful than cigarette smoke.
The findings from the research conducted in Fairbanks are expected to help city planners make informed decisions about the placement of power plants or smelters in northern climates and guide lawmakers on regulating chemicals in fuel oil or other sources to reduce harm to residents. The results will also be of interest to researchers in northern European cities facing similar problems with inversions.
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Mat-Su Borough: particle pollution
According to the American Lung Association's 2019 'State of the Air' report, Alaska is among the most polluted areas in the United States. The report identifies particle pollution as a significant issue in two areas of the state: the Mat-Su Borough and Fairbanks.
In the Mat-Su Borough, there has been a notable decrease in unhealthy particle pollution days, dropping to 5.3 days in the 2015-2017 period, a reduction from 7.0 days reported previously. Additionally, the borough's annual average particle pollution levels have also decreased and remain below the national standard. This improvement can be attributed to a reduction in particle pollution sources, specifically addressing wood-burning home heating, which was a significant contributor to the issue.
Particle pollution, also known as soot, consists of tiny particles originating from sources such as coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires, and wood-burning devices. These particles can have detrimental effects on human health, including triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even potentially leading to lethal outcomes. Marge Stoneking, Executive Director for the American Lung Association in Alaska, emphasised the health risks associated with particle pollution, highlighting its ability to lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious health issues.
The Mat-Su Borough's progress in reducing particle pollution is a positive step towards improving air quality and protecting the health of its residents. However, it is crucial to continuously monitor and address pollution sources to ensure sustained improvement. Additionally, it is important to note that while the borough has made significant strides, other areas in Alaska, such as Fairbanks, continue to face challenges with particle pollution and require further efforts to mitigate this issue.
To summarise, the Mat-Su Borough has successfully reduced particle pollution, primarily by addressing wood-burning home heating practices. This improvement has resulted in fewer unhealthy particle pollution days and lower annual average particle pollution levels. Nevertheless, continued vigilance and proactive measures are necessary to maintain and further enhance the air quality in the borough, as well as in other areas of Alaska that continue to struggle with particle pollution.
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Causes of pollution
Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is facing significant environmental challenges due to various factors that contribute to pollution and the degradation of its natural environment. Here are the key causes of pollution in Alaska:
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
Climate change is a significant contributor to pollution in Alaska. The state is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of warming temperatures, including the thawing of permafrost, which covers 80% of Alaska's surface. As permafrost thaws, it releases pollutants such as mercury and organic pesticides that have been trapped in the frozen soil. This process also contributes to coastal erosion, infrastructure damage, and the disruption of ecosystems. Additionally, climate change leads to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, and heavy rainfall, which can cause extensive damage to infrastructure and threaten human health.
Wildfires
Wildfires are a major source of particle pollution in Alaska. The smoke from these fires contains tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs, triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even leading to lethal outcomes. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, posing risks to adjacent communities, particularly those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Loss of Clean Water and Contamination
Native Alaskan communities are facing threats to their health and well-being due to the loss of clean water sources. Thawing permafrost can lead to saltwater intrusion and sewage contamination, compromising the availability of safe drinking water. Additionally, the northward expansion of diseases and the impact of climate change on fish and wildlife habitats further endanger the health and traditional livelihoods of native Alaskans.
Wood-Burning Home Heating
Wood-burning home heating is a significant contributor to particle pollution in specific areas of Alaska, such as the Mat-Su Borough and Fairbanks. The burning of wood releases soot and fine particles into the air, which can have adverse effects on air quality and human health.
Coal-Fired Power Plants and Diesel Emissions
While not unique to Alaska, coal-fired power plants and diesel emissions are additional sources of particle pollution. The tiny particles released from these sources can remain suspended in the air and have detrimental effects on respiratory health.
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Health effects
According to the 2019 'State of the Air' report by the American Lung Association, Alaska has some of the worst air quality in the United States. Many Alaskans live in areas with unhealthy air, with wood-burning stoves and wildfire smoke contributing to poor air quality. Alaska has two areas where particle pollution is a significant issue, both due to wood-burning home heating.
The health effects of air pollution in Alaska are far-reaching and detrimental. Particle pollution, composed of soot and tiny particles from sources like wildfires, wood-burning devices, and coal-fired power plants, poses severe risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering asthma attacks, aggravating respiratory conditions, and increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Prolonged exposure to particle pollution has been linked to lung cancer, cardiovascular damage, and even developmental and reproductive harm.
Wildfires in Alaska pose a significant threat to human health, particularly for those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The smoke released during wildfires contains harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, which can lead to adverse health outcomes, especially for Alaska Natives and rural residents. The risk is heightened due to the lack of air conditioning in most Alaskan homes, making it challenging to escape smoke exposure. Additionally, wildfires can indirectly impact health by disrupting travel and subsistence food-gathering activities, leading to exposure, injury, or drowning.
Climate change, a pressing concern for Alaskans, is associated with mental health issues such as depression and increased suicidality. Native Alaskan populations are particularly vulnerable to these impacts, experiencing spiritual grief related to potential changes in communities, subsistence foods, culture, and traditional knowledge. Climate change also exacerbates existing disparities in mental health services, affecting the most vulnerable members of society.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the critical importance of improving air quality and has proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act. These amendments aim to reduce toxic air pollutants and protect communities living near pollution sources, such as factories and major roadways. By involving impacted communities in the development of plans to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas sources, the EPA strives to safeguard the health and well-being of Alaskans.
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Real-time air pollution map
According to the 2019 'State of the Air' report by the American Lung Association, Alaska has some of the most polluted areas in the United States. The report, which focuses on two widespread outdoor air pollutants, ozone pollution and particle pollution, notes that Alaska has two areas where particle pollution is a problem, specifically in the Mat-Su Borough and the Fairbanks area.
Particle pollution, sometimes called soot, is made up of tiny particles that come from sources such as coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires, and wood-burning devices. These particles can have significant health impacts, including triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes, and can even be lethal.
To address this issue, various organizations provide real-time air pollution maps that monitor and display air quality data. One such resource is the Air Pollution in Alaska map, which offers a visual representation of real-time air quality data for over 100 countries, including Alaska. This map utilizes data from Air Quality Index (AQI) monitors, such as the GAIA air quality monitor, to provide up-to-date information on air pollution levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a critical tool for understanding the air quality in a specific location. It provides a numerical value that indicates the level of pollution in the air, with higher values representing higher levels of pollution. By using AQI calculators and keeping track of particle pollution and ozone levels, individuals can stay informed about the air quality in their area.
Additionally, interactive maps, such as the Fire and Smoke Map on AirNow.gov, can be extremely useful during wildfires, as they provide real-time information on how smoke is impacting air quality across multiple states. These maps are valuable tools for individuals with asthma or heart disease, health professionals, teachers, and students, helping them make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to protect their health.
By utilizing these real-time air pollution maps and staying informed about air quality data, individuals in Alaska can actively monitor the pollution levels in their area and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Alaska has some of the most polluted areas in the United States, with Fairbanks being the third most polluted city for short-term particle pollution in 2019.
The primary sources of pollution in Alaska are wood-burning stoves, vehicle exhaust systems, power plant emissions, and heating oil.
The health impacts of air pollution in Alaska include respiratory problems, increased dementia in adults, kidney failure, miscarriages and preterm births in pregnant women, and impaired lung development in children.
