AIR POLLUTION
Sacramento County Vehicle Emissions Project (VEP)
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Air Pollution
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of indoor and outdoor air by any physical, chemical, or biological agent that alters the natural composition of the atmosphere. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the primary sources of air pollution are caused by combustion from the operation of motor vehicles and trucks, ships, planes, trains, processes at industrial facilities, and forest fires. Indoor air pollution is caused by natural gas and wood stoves, and cigarette smoking. The byproducts of these air pollution sources are particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, all which cause local public health concerns. In addition, most air pollutant sources contribute to global warming (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2022).
Air pollution is most common in large cities where emissions from many different sources are concentrated. Sometimes, mountains or tall buildings prevent air pollution from spreading out. This air pollution often appears as a cloud making the air murky. It is called smog. The word "smog" comes from combining the words "smoke" and "fog."
Large cities in poor and developing nations tend to have more air pollution than cities in developed nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some of the world's most polluted cities are Karachi, Pakistan; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; Lima, Peru; and Cairo, Egypt. However, many developed nations also have air pollution problems like Los Angeles, California, which is nicknamed Smog City. Sacramento is among the top ten worst smog areas in the nation.
Air pollution is usually thought of as smoke from large factories or exhaust from vehicles. But there are many types of indoor air pollution as well. Heating a house by burning substances such as kerosene, wood, and coal can contaminate the air inside the house. Ash and smoke make breathing difficult, and they can stick to walls, food, and clothing.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Particulate Matter (PM)
Particulate Matter in the air is both naturally occurring and caused by human activity. Internal combustion engine vehicles generate PM2.5 which has been found to be a carcinogen and an irritant, triggering asthma and other respiratory issues. PM2.5 is a mixture of solid and liquid particles that are generally less than 2.5 μm (microns) in diameter, and is measured in micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³). If the mass of particulate matter increases, the outdoor air becomes more hazardous to breathe. PM2.5 is not only a domestic issue, but one that impacts global human health. In particular, research shows that people in lower socioeconomic situations have a higher rate of exposure to PM2.5 (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). Examples of types of particulate matter and commons sources include:
acids – from oil refining
inorganic compounds (ex. ammonium sulfate, carbon monoxide) – fertilizers
organic compounds – evaporated solvents (ex. gasoline) and plastics
soot – burning coal for electricity from motor vehicle combustion
metals (ex. lead and mercury) – piston engine aircraft operating and coal combustion
biological materials (ex. pollen, mold spores)
The particle size, shape, and the chemical composition varies widely. As they may contain inorganic ions, metallic compounds, elemental carbon, organic compounds, and compounds from the Earth’s crust. Particulate matter (PM) is defined by their diameter and is generally categorized under three classifications, Total Suspended Particulate (TSP), Particulate Matter PM10, or Particulate Matter PM2.5. PM is measured in microns or micrometers (μm) which is one millionth of a meter. TSP are particles smaller than about 30 μm (microns) in diameter. Those with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10) may be inhaled into the upper respiratory tract and induce adverse respiratory health effects such as asthma. Common examples include dust from construction sites and landfills, wildfires, pollen, and elemental fragments like Lead (Pb). Fine particulate matter is 2.5 or less micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). Common examples of PM2.5 are metallic mists (ex. welding fumes), combustion soot (ex. wood smoke particles), and aerosols (ex. very fine liquid or solid particles). We are interested in the classification of particulate because anything above 30 micrometers cannot be inhaled and therefore anything less is inhalable into the lungs and induce a variety of health concerns. The size (μm) of air pollutants will determine the types of health effects. A common example is PM10 can enter the upper respiratory system and cause inflammation. Additionally, PM2.5 can reach into the alveoli cells and subsequently enter the bloodstream; TSP and PM10 cannot.
Vehicle Emissions
Vehicle Emissions
Particulate Matter
Black Carbon
Black Carbon is an air pollutant that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass, and biofuels. The largest sources of black carbon production are from diesel engines and residential wood combustion. Black Carbon particulates are mainly PM 2.5 sized; these particles absorb sunlight in the atmosphere and trap heat contributing to global warming. Lastly, black carbon contains cancer-causing chemicals.
NOx
NOx is an abbreviation that refers to the group of gaseous Nitric Oxide (NO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). This family of gasses is highly reactive and corrosive to lung tissue. These two gaseous pollutants are emitted by vehicle fuel combustion and fossil fuel power plants. Of equal importance NOx is primary contributor to the formation of outdoor ozone.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the surface soil and are released through human disturbance. Heavy metals accumulate in the environment and will not break down over time. Common heavy metal air pollutants include copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). Copper originates from the wear down of a vehicle's engine bearings. Zinc is associated with the use of additives and car lubricants. Iron is found in the composition of fuels and the internal corrosion of the engine and ducts. Lead may emitted by piston powered planes. Vanadium is found in the lubricating oil of diesel engines and is a signature of diesel particulates.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The air we breathe indoors and outdoors always contains a level of particle pollution. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state regulatory agencies, like the California Air Resources Board (CARB), have set acceptable limits to the levels of pollution in the air for different sizes of particles. One example is with the use of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI represents a ratio of outdoor air quality to the EPA and CARB standards.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. It was created to make it easier to report air pollution. It allows us to report air pollution like a measurement rule that runs from 0 to 500. The larger the number, the higher the level of air pollution exists, and the greater the threat is on our health.
When air quality is deemed poor, there is evidence suggesting that masks are highly effective against particulate air pollution. Many masks are classified by rating of N90, N95, or N99. This number stands for the percentage of fine particles (larger than 0.3 microns) that the mask has been tested to block. An example being an N95 pollution mask may block against 95% of fine particles.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) led a clean air study in 1989 to research ways to clean the air in sealed environments such as space stations. It was concluded that there are certain plants that can absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and remove volatile organic pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde; which can improve overall indoor air quality. The top five indoor plants are: 1. spider plant, 2. snake plant, 3. english ivy, 4. peace lily, and 5. aloe vera. Additionally, you can also buy or build your own indoor air purifier!
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Short-term effects, which are temporary, include illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis. They also include discomfort such as irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin. Air pollution can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Strong odors released by factories, decomposition of garbage, or sewer systems are considered air pollution, too. These odors are less serious but still unpleasant.
Long-term effects of air pollution can last for years or for an entire lifetime. They can even lead to a person's death. Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people's nervous system, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Some scientists suspect that air pollutants may also cause birth defects. Nearly 2.5 million people die worldwide each year from the effects of outdoor or indoor air pollution.
People react differently to different types of air pollution. Young children and older adults, whose immune systems tend to be weaker, are often more sensitive to pollution. Conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease can be made worse by exposure to air pollution. The length of exposure and amount and type of pollutants are also factors.
There are several health effects of exposure to heavy metal pollutants. Copper induces respiratory irritation, liver damage, asthma, lung and kidney damage. Iron induces respiratory irritation and lung damage. Lead exposure induces respiratory irritation, liver damage, cancer, asthma, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, lung and kidney damage. Vanadium causes respiratory irritation, asthma, sinus problems, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and lung damage.
This table lists the possible health effects of both short and long term exposure to PM2.5, on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems:
Sensitive Groups (at-risk populations
Sensitive Groups (at-risk populations
People with pre-existing conditions like heart or lung disease
People with allergies or asthma
Children (under 18 years of age)
Children have a high respiration rate (the number of breaths a person takes per minute) than adults do and therefore may inhale air pollution at higher rates
Older Adults (65 years of age and older)
As people age, their bodies are less able to compensate for the effects of environmental hazards. Air pollution can aggravate heart disease and cause strokes, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and diabetes
Those that live and work in close proximities to emission sources
Pregnant women
Background Information
Background Information
The Sacramento Department of Public Health, Vehicle Emissions Project (VEP) seeks to establish an air-monitoring network in communities located in the North Vineyard, West Arden Arcade, North Sacramento, South Sacramento and Gardenland regions to assess public health and environmental impacts due to vehicle emissions. The data gathered will be utilized to build a geographic and algorithmic model to assess the relationships between air quality and respiratory health and its contributing causes in these disadvantaged communities. Community engagement is at the core of this project with several community partners already established to provide outreach and community involvement to educate the public on the impact of vehicle emissions and air quality. Community-based organizations agree to participate in this project to deliver community engagement, education and to distribute and collect community responses for the areas of focus. Documenting air quality and health impacts for these identified areas will allow community organizers to assess the need for new policies, programs, and resources. This will empower residents to become more aware of air quality impacts in their community and be able to advocate for positive solutions to improve the overall quality of life.
Project Areas of Focus
Project Areas of Focus
North Highlands
Mutual Assistance Network (MAN)
Gardenland
Sacramento Native American Health (SNAHC)
Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association (GNNA)
West Arden-Arcade
Mutual Assistance Network (MAN)
South Sacramento
Climate Plan
Inter Youth Soccer League
Teatro Nagual
North Vineyard
Mutual Assistance Network (MAN)
Contact Info:
Contact Info:
secsanchez@ucdavis.edu
secsanchez@ucdavis.edu
(916) 704-1105
(916) 704-1105
P.O. Box 22905
P.O. Box 22905
Sacramento, CA 95822
Sacramento, CA 95822
You can look up the Air Quality in your area by clicking the link below. This website is partnered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
SACRAMENTO Tree foundation
SACRAMENTO Tree foundation
The Sacramento Tree Foundation is nonprofit organization working to grow thriving communities through stewardship of our urban forest. Their guiding principles are community education, social equity, community well-being, community engagement, science & research, conservation, grassroots action, and organizational excellence. Here are some links:
United Latinos Home Page~
Sources
Sources
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Thangavel, P., Park, D., & Lee, Y.-C. (2022). Recent Insights into Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Mediated Toxicity in Humans: An Overview. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7511. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127511
California Air Resources Board. (2022). Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10). https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health#:~:text=Who%20is%20at%20the%20Greatest,5.
Congressional Research Service. (2022). Clean Air Act: A Summary of the Act and Its Major Requirements (Congressional Report No. RL30853). United States Congress. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL30853#:~:text=Using%20this%20authority%2C%20EPA%20has,%2C%20ozone%2C2%20and%20lead.
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