Embedded Files
The quality of our air in Holly Springs is influenced primarily by vehicular emissions and construction. The diesel exhaust emitted from construction machinery as well as the dust created during the numerous projects around town threaten the quality of the air we breathe.
Cars and trucks not only emit climate warming chemicals like carbon dioxide, but also emit nitrous oxides responsible for the build up of smog, in our local atmosphere. Breathing in smog can cause lung inflammation, promote infections and can cause or exacerbate asthma.
In addition to these pollutants is the emission of particulate matter from gas powered vehicles. Many of these are small enough to enter our blood stream through our lungs and have been linked to increased rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer and can cause premature births. Communities in close proximity to busy highways are at an increased risk of ill health effects.
What is PM 2.5?
What is PM 2.5?
Particulate Matter or PM refers to solid or liquid particles in the air. The 2.5 designation refers to their size, no larger than 2.5 micrometers. For reference, that is 30X smaller in diameter than a single piece of hair. They cannot be seen by the naked eye, so you breathe them in, unknowingly.
These pollutants are especially dangerous because when inhaled, they get stuck in the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream.
PM forms in the atmosphere as a direct result of emissions from factories, power plants and automobiles.
What is Smog?
What is Smog?
Smog is the common word for ground level ozone. It is caused by a chemical reaction in our atmosphere. Nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons react with sunlight to form smog.
Smog can cause coughing and painful breathing in healthy adults, especially those working or exercising outside. But it is especially dangerous to those suffering from lung or breathing disorders, for the elderly and for the developing lungs of young people.
Smog is also a result of emissions from vehicles, power plants, refineries and chemical plants
What Does This Mean for Holly Springs?
What Does This Mean for Holly Springs?
Without proper action from the community, the air quality of our township will decline. Our population will continue to grow as will the number of cars on our roadways. There is no denying that emissions from personal vehicles negatively impacts human health and our climate.
One of the easiest ways to combat an increase in smog and particulate pollution, is for Holly Springs residents to take small steps to reduce their personal emissions. Small decisions, made individually can have big community impacts.
Choose to not idle your parked vehicle
Walk or ride your bike for short trips around town
Set up carpool groups for trips to schools, sports and other activities
Share Clean Air Holly Springs with your social circles
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse