Kansas: How Air Pollution Is Avoided

While Kansas does experience air pollution, it is not as severe as in other regions of the US. For instance, in 2019, Kansas City's ozone pollution improved, and the metro area was ranked 62nd most polluted city in the nation. However, Kansas City still has air quality issues, with certain areas downtown experiencing higher levels of air pollution. The air quality in Kansas is influenced by various factors, including vehicle engines, industrial emissions, and weather conditions.

Kansas City's air quality has improved

Kansas City's air quality has been improving over the years. According to the IQAir website, the city has achieved the WHO target figure of acceptable air quality of less than 10 µg/m³. The figure recorded was 7.2 µg/m³, and this standard has been maintained since 2017. The air quality has gradually improved over the years, with figures of 9.1 µg/m³ in 2017, 8 µg/m³ in 2018, 7.9 µg/m³ in 2019, and 7.2 µg/m³ in 2020.

The American Lung Association's (ALA) national report card for 2019 through 2021 also supports this improvement, showing that Kansas City had fewer unhealthy days of high ozone pollution than in previous years. The city's air quality dropped to about two unhealthy days of high ozone pollution on average between 2019 and 2021, the lowest level in 25 years.

However, it is important to note that Kansas City's particle pollution, including PM2.5 and PM10, got worse during this period. Particle pollution is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Midwest coal-burning power plants are among the country's worst polluters, and wildfires can also add to local particle pollution. Stricter federal rules for major ozone emitters have helped reduce dangerous ozone levels, and the trend has continued since the Clean Air Act went into effect in 1963. The EPA has put strict limits on industrial processes and power plants, leading to cleaner cars, trucks, and fuel over time.

Kansas City's air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals, according to AccuWeather. However, sensitive groups may experience symptoms with long-term exposure, such as throat irritation and difficulty breathing. It is recommended that these sensitive groups reduce their time spent outside when air pollution levels are high. SkyCast is a daily pollution forecast system for Kansas City that predicts air quality based on current weather and pollution levels. It uses colours to indicate the day's pollution threat, with orange or red indicating an Ozone Alert day when ozone concentrations are predicted to reach unhealthy levels.

Overall, Kansas City's air quality has shown improvement, especially in terms of ozone pollution, but there is still work to be done regarding particle pollution and protecting sensitive groups.

Fewer unhealthy days of high ozone

Kansas City, Kansas, has seen an improvement in air quality, with fewer unhealthy days of high ozone. This is according to the ALA national report card for 2019-2021, which shows that the city had fewer unhealthy days of high ozone than in the previous reporting period. The report states that the region dropped to about two unhealthy days of high ozone pollution on average between 2019 and 2021, the lowest level since the association began measuring the metro area 25 years ago.

Ozone can be "good" or "bad" for health depending on where it is found in the atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone, typically located 9 to 18 miles above the Earth's surface, is beneficial as it protects us from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, ground-level ozone can impact a range of health problems, including asthma and breathing difficulties, and is a major pollutant. Ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen chemically react in the presence of sunlight. Cars, trucks, and power plants are significant sources of the pollution that creates ground-level ozone.

Kansas City's air quality can be affected by burning in the Flint Hills. There is an established "ozone season" for the Kansas City region from March 1st to October 31st every year, with most Ozone Alerts occurring in June through August. Real-time air monitoring data show that ozone typically forms in urban areas and then moves "out of town" by the afternoon.

Stricter federal rules for major ozone emitters have contributed to the reduction in dangerous ozone levels across the country. The Clean Air Act, which came into effect in 1963 and has been amended several times since, has played a crucial role in improving air quality. Additionally, individuals can help reduce ozone levels by changing their habits and using alternative forms of transportation, such as walking, biking, or opting for alternative fuels.

Reduction in dangerous ozone levels

Kansas City, Kansas, has seen a reduction in the number of unhealthy days of high ozone pollution. This is due to several factors, one of which is stricter federal rules for major ozone emitters. The Clean Air Act, which came into effect in 1963 and has been amended several times since, has played a significant role in reducing dangerous ozone levels. The Act has placed strict limits on industrial processes and power plants, leading to cleaner cars, trucks, and fuel over the past 25 to 30 years.

The American Lung Association's State of the Air report card for 2019-2021 showed that Kansas City had made significant progress, with only two unhealthy days of high ozone pollution on average during that period. This was the lowest level recorded in the 25 years since the association began measuring the metro area's air quality.

To further reduce ozone levels, individuals can also play a role by changing their habits. Angela Tin, director of clean air initiatives for the ALA, suggests using alternate forms of transportation, such as commuting together, walking, or using bikes and alternative fuels. These individual efforts can collectively make a significant impact on improving air quality and reducing ozone pollution.

While Kansas has made notable progress in reducing ozone pollution, it is important to recognize that air quality can be impacted by various factors, including weather patterns and external sources such as wildfires. For instance, the air quality in Kansas City can be affected by burning in the Flint Hills, and wildfire smoke from the western states can contribute to poor air quality in the region. Therefore, continued efforts and awareness are necessary to maintain and further improve the reduction in dangerous ozone levels in Kansas.

Less particle pollution than the East Coast

Kansas typically has fewer problems with air pollution than the East Coast due to various factors, one of which is the lower levels of particle pollution in the state compared to the East Coast. Particle pollution, also known as soot, is composed of tiny particles from sources such as coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires, and wood-burning devices. These particles can have detrimental effects on human health, triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even leading to lung cancer.

Kansas has made significant improvements in reducing particle pollution, especially in Kansas City. The 2018 "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association noted that Kansas City dropped to its lowest levels of year-round particle pollution since measurements began 25 years ago. This improvement is attributed to the cleanup of coal-fired power plants and the phasing out of old, dirty diesel engines.

However, it is important to note that Kansas is not immune to particle pollution. The same 2018 report ranked Kansas City as the 50th most polluted city for year-round particle pollution and 46th for short-term particle pollution. While the city has made strides, there is still work to be done to improve air quality further and protect the health of its citizens.

The Midwest, where Kansas is located, faces challenges with particle pollution from Midwest coal-burning power plants, which emit some of the highest rates of pollution in the country. While federal regulations have helped reduce ozone levels, particle pollution continues to be an issue. The American Lung Association's latest report card for the region showed that Kansas City had fewer unhealthy days of high ozone pollution but experienced an increase in particle pollution.

To address particle pollution in Kansas and the Midwest, a transition away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, is necessary. Additionally, individual actions, such as reducing vehicle usage and adopting alternative forms of transportation, can contribute to lowering particle pollution levels. By combining regulatory measures and individual efforts, Kansas can further improve its air quality and ensure the well-being of its residents.

Federal rules for major ozone emitters

While Kansas City has seen an improvement in air quality in recent years, with fewer days of high ozone pollution, it still faces air pollution problems.

The Clean Air Act, which came into effect in 1963, has been amended several times to include stricter federal rules for major ozone emitters. These rules have helped reduce dangerous ozone levels across the country.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented strict limits on industrial processes and power plants, which has resulted in cleaner cars, trucks, and fuel over the past 25 to 30 years. The EPA, in conjunction with the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), also recognizes that additional alternative standards may need to be analyzed and implemented.

The EPA has taken enforcement actions under Title VI of the Clean Air Act, targeting companies that violate federal rules and contribute to ozone depletion. For example, Schnitzer Steel Inc. agreed to pay a civil penalty and implement compliance measures to prevent the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants. Similarly, Derichebourg Recycling USA Inc. reached a settlement for Clean Air Act violations, agreeing to pay a civil penalty and halt the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants.

The General Conformity Rule ensures that actions taken by federal agencies do not interfere with a state's plan to meet national air standards. Exceptional events, such as natural disasters, are also considered, as they can impact air quality but are not controllable by state or local agencies.

These federal rules and enforcement actions are crucial in reducing ozone emissions and improving air quality, particularly in states like Kansas.

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