St. Louis Air Pollution: A Growing Concern?

Air pollution in St. Louis, Missouri, is a significant issue that has attracted the attention of organisations such as the American Lung Association, which launched a campaign in 2020 to raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution on residents. The city's air pollution problem is exacerbated by climate change, which increases wildfire smoke, ozone pollution, and the frequency of extreme storms and flooding, all of which contribute to poor air quality. While the Clean Air Act has helped reduce air pollution across the nation, St. Louis continues to face challenges in maintaining healthy air quality for its residents, with ozone and particle pollution levels worsening in recent years.

Air pollution in St. Louis can cause coughing, wheezing, heart attacks, strokes, developmental and reproductive harm, and lung cancer

Air pollution in St. Louis is a significant concern, with the city's air quality deteriorating in recent years due to climate change. The issue of air pollution in the city is severe enough to cause a range of adverse health effects on residents, including coughing, wheezing, heart attacks, strokes, developmental and reproductive harm, and even lung cancer.

The Clean Air Act, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, has played a crucial role in reducing air pollution across the nation and saving countless lives annually. However, St. Louis continues to face challenges in maintaining healthy air quality due to various factors. Climate change exacerbates air pollution by increasing wildfire smoke, ozone pollution, and extreme weather events like storms and flooding. These events leave behind mould, polluted floodwater residue, and other pollutants, subjecting residents to indoor air pollution during cleanup and repair efforts.

Additionally, specific sources of climate pollution, such as power plants, oil and gas operations, and vehicle emissions, directly contribute to poor air quality in St. Louis. The impact of these sources is evident in the experiences of residents like Laura Turner, who shared her story as part of the Stand Up For Clean Air initiative. Turner, who lives with asthma, must carefully consider her outdoor activities, especially during the summer when high temperatures can worsen air quality.

The health consequences of air pollution in St. Louis are not limited to those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. Even healthy individuals may experience respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation when exposed to polluted air. In some cases, air pollution can lead to more severe health problems, including heart attacks and lung cancer. Therefore, it is crucial for St. Louis residents to take action against climate change and air pollution, advocating for cleaner air to protect their health and well-being.

The Clean Air Act has reduced air pollution across the US, but climate change is worsening air quality

While St. Louis, Missouri, does not appear on the list of cities with the worst air quality in the US, the city's air quality is not ideal. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in St. Louis is generally acceptable, but sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure. On some days, the air quality is so poor that everyone is advised to avoid outdoor activities.

Across the US, the Clean Air Act has been instrumental in reducing air pollution over the past few decades. The Act, which was amended in 1970, 1977, and 1990, gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate air pollutants and polluting industries. The EPA has taken steps to limit emissions that cause climate change and ocean acidification, and the Act has prompted the deployment of clean technologies.

Since 1970, combined emissions of six common pollutants (PM2.5 and PM10, SO2, NOx, VOCs, CO, and Pb) have dropped by 78%. Sulfur in gasoline has been reduced by 90%, and sulfur in diesel fuel by 99%, from pre-regulation levels. The Clean Air Act has also led to the reduction of toxic pollutants, including lead, which now meets national air quality standards in most areas of the country.

Despite this progress, air pollution in the US continues to harm people's health and the environment. Climate change is worsening air quality, and the EPA has an obligation to regulate carbon pollution, including emissions from cars and power plants. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 amended the Clean Air Act and reinforced that carbon dioxide emitted from fossil fuels is an air pollutant that the EPA has the authority and responsibility to regulate. The Act provides tax incentives and grants to reduce the cost of meeting emissions standards.

St. Louis residents are encouraged to share their experiences with air pollution and climate change on social media

Air pollution in St. Louis has worsened in recent years, with the 2020 State of the Air Report showing increased levels of ozone and particle pollution. Climate change is a significant contributing factor, as it leads to increased wildfire smoke, more frequent and extreme storms, and flooding, all of which negatively affect air quality. The primary sources of air pollution, such as power plants, oil and gas operations, and vehicles, also directly impact lung health.

St. Louis residents like Laura Turner, who lives with asthma, are encouraged to share their stories and explain why clean air matters to them. Turner, who enjoys running and biking outdoors, has to be cautious due to her asthma, especially during the summer when the heat is high. She mentions that air pollution limits her outdoor exercise and affects her workout routine.

By sharing their experiences and concerns, residents can help raise awareness about the importance of clean air and the health risks associated with air pollution. It is essential to recognize that air pollution is not just an issue for those with underlying health conditions; everyone is affected. St. Louis residents can utilize the #MyCleanAirStory hashtag to share their stories through selfies, photos, or videos on social media platforms.

Additionally, the City of St. Louis has implemented various measures to address air pollution. The Air Pollution Control Program ensures that the community is protected from asbestos exposure during renovation and demolition projects. The Department of Health provides permitting approval for asbestos abatement, demolition, and occupancy, and inspectors conduct site monitoring to enforce compliance with city ordinances.

The City of St. Louis has an Air Pollution Control Program to ensure the community is not exposed to asbestos during renovation and demolition projects

Air pollution is a pressing issue in St. Louis, Missouri, with the city's air quality having a significant impact on the health and well-being of its residents. While the air quality is generally acceptable, sensitive groups, including people with respiratory issues, are at risk of experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation due to long-term exposure. On days when the pollution levels are high, even healthy individuals may experience similar symptoms, and everyone is advised to limit their time outdoors.

To address this issue, the City of St. Louis has implemented an Air Pollution Control Program, which operates under Ordinance 71332 for the regulation and control of air pollution within the city. This program is crucial in ensuring that the community is not exposed to asbestos during renovation and demolition projects. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health issues if inhaled, and it is often found in older buildings. The Air Pollution Control Program, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, manages and monitors asbestos-related projects in the city.

The Building Division of the City of St. Louis plays a pivotal role in this process. They are responsible for managing asbestos projects on the STL City Permits website. All demolition, renovation, and abatement projects that involve asbestos must be reported on this website. The Department of Health, as the delegated authority, oversees asbestos and demolition notifications and inspections. They work closely with the Air Pollution Control Program to ensure the safety of the community.

The Air Pollution Control Program provides permitting approval for asbestos abatement, demolition, and occupancy. Additionally, inspectors employed by the program conduct site monitoring and enforcement as mandated by the City ordinance. This comprehensive approach ensures that asbestos-related projects are properly managed and that the community is protected from unnecessary exposure to asbestos. The program also provides forms and resources for residents to report air pollution problems, including asbestos concerns.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure the air quality in St. Louis

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a critical tool used to monitor and assess the air quality in St. Louis, Missouri. It provides a quantitative measure of the air pollution levels in the city, helping residents, officials, and researchers understand the state of the air they breathe.

The AQI in St. Louis is derived from a set of air monitoring data values based on recorded concentrations of major pollutants each day. These raw measurements are converted into AQI values by Plume Labs, a company that specialises in air quality data. The AQI values are calculated using standards and guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other scientific studies.

St. Louis residents can access real-time AQI data through various platforms, such as AccuWeather and IQAir, which provide air quality information and forecasts. These platforms offer valuable insights for individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma, to plan their outdoor activities accordingly. For example, when the AQI indicates high levels of pollution, sensitive groups may need to reduce their time spent outdoors to minimise potential health risks.

In recent years, St. Louis has faced challenges in maintaining good air quality due to the impacts of climate change. The 2020 State of the Air Report noted a deterioration in the city's air pollution levels for both ozone and particle pollution. Climate change has exacerbated air pollution through increased wildfire smoke, elevated ozone levels, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which contribute to the decline in air quality.

Despite these challenges, initiatives like the Stand Up For Clean Air campaign, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act in 2020, aim to raise awareness and encourage St. Louis residents to take action against climate change and air pollution. By sharing personal stories and experiences through social media campaigns like #MyCleanAirStory, individuals can highlight the health impacts of air pollution and advocate for cleaner air in their community.

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