San Antonio's Pollution: Causes And Concerns

San Antonio, Texas, is one of the most populated cities in the United States, and it has some of the highest levels of air pollution. In 2020, the San Antonio-New Braunfels area experienced over 100 days of elevated air pollution. The city's air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including ozone, particulate matter, and illegal emissions from nearby industrial facilities. The health effects of air pollution are a significant concern, particularly for vulnerable individuals with respiratory issues, and children who grow up in polluted areas.

Ground-level ozone pollution

San Antonio is one of the most populated cities in the United States, and it is among the top ten cities with the highest levels of air pollution. In 2020, the San Antonio-New Braunfels area had more than 100 days of elevated air pollution. The city's air quality has worsened in recent years, despite long-term improvements since the Clean Air Act of 1970.

Ozone is a harmful pollutant that can cause adverse health effects, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. In Bexar County, where San Antonio is located, the rates of hospitalization due to asthma are consistently higher than the Texas average. The development of asthma is influenced by various factors, but environmental factors such as local pollution levels play a significant role. High levels of ground-level ozone can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate respiratory conditions, leading to increased hospitalizations.

The sources of ozone pollution in San Antonio are diverse. One significant contributor is vehicle emissions, as nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds released from cars, trucks, and buses react with sunlight to form ozone. Additionally, the presence of major industrial facilities and construction sites in and around the city contributes to the release of ozone-forming precursors. The Eagle Ford shale facility, located just 50 miles from San Antonio and one of the nation's largest oil and gas developments, has been linked to increased city-wide ozone levels.

To address the issue of ground-level ozone pollution, San Antonio has implemented various measures. The city's ozone attainment program works to monitor and manage ozone levels, and during periods of high ozone pollution, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality advises individuals with respiratory issues to avoid outside activity or take necessary precautions. Despite these efforts, San Antonio continues to face challenges in reducing ground-level ozone pollution, and it is crucial for the city to remain committed to improving air quality to protect the health and well-being of its residents.

Fracking and oil/gas development

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract natural gas or oil from shale rock. This is done by injecting water at high pressure to fracture the rock and allow gas to flow out. In the last decade, fracking has become an increasingly popular method of extracting gas and oil.

Fracking is thought to contribute to air pollution and increase health risks for humans. For example, in rural northeastern Utah, researchers estimated that the amount of smog-forming compound emissions from oil and gas operations each year was equivalent to the emissions of 100 million cars. These emissions have a broad range of negative health effects, including respiratory and neurological problems, cardiovascular damage, endocrine disruption, birth defects, cancer, and premature mortality.

In San Antonio, Texas, the Eagle Ford shale facility, one of the nation's largest oil and gas developments, is located just outside the city. A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that there was an increase in hydrocarbons following the establishment of the Eagle Ford shale facility. While there was no increase in nitrogen oxides, which increase ozone levels, researchers remain skeptical as nitrogen oxides can rise above mobile monitoring units. Despite this, data collected by InsideClimate News found that during the months of April to October, when San Antonio’s ozone levels were the highest, oil and gas development accounted for half of all ozone-forming precursor pollutants in the atmosphere.

In addition to air pollution, fracking and oil/gas development can also pollute water resources. Aquifers, which are crucial sources of drinking water, are vulnerable to contamination as large areas are characterized by sandy soils and porous limestone. Furthermore, wastewater from acidizing techniques can contain hazardous pollutants and pose threats to underground aquifers.

Illegal emissions from industrial facilities

San Antonio's air quality has worsened in recent years, despite long-term improvements since the Clean Air Act of 1970. One of the main contributors to this decline is the significant increase in illegal emissions from nearby industrial facilities.

In 2018, Texas industrial facilities released 135 million pounds of illegal air pollution, more than double the amount from the previous year. This drastic increase in illegal emissions has had a severe impact on the air quality in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. The penalties for these illegal emissions from Texas facilities amounted to only $2 million in 2018, a mere fraction of the potential fines under existing law. This highlights a challenge in addressing air pollution levels in the state, especially in San Antonio, where residents' health is at risk.

The industrial facilities' illegal emissions contribute to the fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in the air. San Antonio experienced a 17.5% increase in PM2.5 pollution levels from 2018 to 2019. This fine particulate matter is caused by fossil fuel combustion and can originate from various sources, including natural gas-fueled power plants, factories, and vehicle engines. The presence of PM2.5 in the air can have adverse health effects, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. It increases the chances of developing long-term health conditions such as asthma or other lung diseases.

The Eagle Ford shale facility, located 50 miles from San Antonio, is also a significant contributor to the city's air pollution. As one of the nation's largest oil and gas developments, Eagle Ford shale has been linked to increased ozone levels in the city. Ozone is a harmful ground-level gas molecule, often described as 'smog'. It is formed in the air from precursor pollutants reacting with sunlight, making it challenging to control and regulate, especially in warm urban environments. San Antonio's climate and industrial activities create ideal conditions for ozone formation, impacting the air quality and the health of the city's residents.

The cumulative effects of illegal emissions from industrial facilities, coupled with other sources of pollution, have made San Antonio one of the most polluted highly populated areas in the nation. The city experienced over 100 days of elevated air pollution in 2020, with ozone pollution and high levels of particulate matter being the primary concerns. These persistent high pollution levels have contributed to respiratory issues and increased hospitalization rates for asthma-related conditions in Bexar County, where San Antonio is located. The link between air pollution and adverse health outcomes is evident, underscoring the urgency of addressing illegal emissions from industrial facilities and improving the air quality in San Antonio.

Vehicle emissions

One of the primary pollutants associated with vehicle emissions is nitrogen dioxide. This toxic gas is produced by vehicles, particularly those with diesel engines, and contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. Ground-level ozone is a major concern in San Antonio, as it can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma. In 2019, the city was rated an "F" for ozone pollution by the American Lung Association, and it has consistently ranked among the most polluted metropolitan areas in the nation.

Vehicle engines also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are another precursor to ozone formation. VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight and heat, leading to the production of ground-level ozone. This makes controlling and regulating ozone levels particularly challenging in warm, urban environments like San Antonio. The combination of increased vehicle emissions and favourable atmospheric conditions contributes to the city's persistent ozone pollution problem.

In addition to ozone pollution, vehicle emissions contribute to fine particulate matter pollution, known as PM2.5. This type of pollution is caused by fossil fuel combustion and can have serious health impacts, especially for individuals with respiratory issues. PM2.5 can originate from various sources, including vehicle engines, power plants, and factories. Prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can increase the risk of developing long-term health conditions, such as asthma and other lung diseases.

The impact of vehicle emissions on air quality in San Antonio is evident from the data. In 2020, the city experienced 57 days with high levels of particulate matter and 47 days with elevated ozone pollution levels. On three days, both conditions occurred simultaneously, resulting in even more severe air quality degradation. These elevated pollution levels can have immediate and long-term health consequences for residents, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Climate change and hotter days

San Antonio has been experiencing hotter days, with the number of days over 100 degrees increasing by 72% since the 1980s. This increase in temperature is detrimental to human health, particularly for those with pre-existing lung conditions and those who work outdoors. The former group is at risk of exacerbating their respiratory issues, while the latter is at risk due to prolonged exposure to the heat. Furthermore, hotter days may also discourage children from playing outside, potentially leading to increased childhood obesity rates.

Climate change is a significant contributor to the rising temperatures in San Antonio. The accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, a result of burning fossil fuels, traps heat and leads to an increase in global temperatures. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. The impact of climate change is evident in San Antonio, with the city experiencing an increase in the number of days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

The consequences of these hotter days are far-reaching. For individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, the hot weather can worsen their symptoms and increase the likelihood of hospitalisations. The risk is even higher during periods of high ozone pollution, as ozone is a key component of smog, which can trigger asthma attacks and cause breathing difficulties. The combination of high temperatures and poor air quality creates a toxic environment for those with lung conditions, and even for those without, prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to the development of respiratory issues over time.

To address this issue, it is crucial to recognise the link between air pollution and climate change. By reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, we can help mitigate the impact of climate change and subsequently reduce the number of dangerously hot days. This can be achieved through various means, including transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing regulations to reduce air pollution from vehicles, industries, and construction.

Additionally, it is important to adapt to the changing climate and protect vulnerable populations during hotter days. This can include providing cooling centres or shade structures, ensuring access to clean water, and encouraging rest and hydration. By taking proactive measures, we can help reduce the negative health impacts associated with hotter days and protect the well-being of those most at risk.

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