Poor Phoenix Air Quality Results in EPA Freeze of Federal Transportation Funds
Flashback to 2010 Phoenix Air Quality – Viewpoint of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
On May 25, 2010, the EPA announced an impending block on federal transportation funds unless Arizona could come up with an acceptable and reliable air quality control plan. According to the EPA, Arizona pollution levels exceeded federal standards. The agency completely rejected the concept that dust storms were the cause of Phoenix air quality problems. EPA regional administrator, Jared Blumenfeld declared the so-called “exceptional events” as an unscientific explanation for Arizona air quality complications.
The Importance of Air Purification
During 2008, Phoenix experienced eleven unacceptably high PM-10 pollution spikes. Arizona officials attributed ten of those spikes to dust storms. In 2010, the EPA declared Arizona out of compliance. PM-10 is measured as one-seventh the width of a human hair, yet the effects on human health include:
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- Lung damage
- Respiratory failures
- AND premature death.
The primary at-risk groups affected by high levels of PM-10 include: children, the elderly and people with existing asthma, chronic lung disease and influenza. Yet efficient air purification works to make life better for all Phoenix residents.
Update 2013 – A Current Look at Phoenix Air Quality
Government processes are sometimes difficult to understand. For example: According to current reports from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Phoenix air quality levels are reasonably good. Daytime highs are running around 108-degrees Fahrenheit and will reach 110 by the middle of next week. Up until Tuesday of next week, chances of storms are low but moisture levels will slightly increase. By mid-week, rain and cloud cover should hold ozone concentrations in the normally accepted “Good” range. Sounds like a good report yet the EPA has issued a freeze on Federal Transportation Funds.
In the later half of next week, sunshine will push Phoenix ozone levels back into the mid-moderate range. The Humboldt Mountain region may kick in at a mid-moderate range of 71. Meantime, Glendale residents can expect a maximum 8-hr PPB of 41 and Tempe PM-2.5 particles may run a 9.8 max 24-hour value. Throughout the Phoenix region, PM-10 particles are ranging 25 to 30.
Considering that maximum unhealthy ozone levels range between 200 and 300 on the measurement scale, a 42 in Phoenix and a 41 in Mesa seems a minor issue.
Building Arizona – Air Quality And Air Purification A Continuing Battle
According to We Build Arizona, the state’s current transportation needs between now and 2030 will result in a $162,3 billion shortage. Arizona air quality remains an issue. Areas such as Maricopa and Pinal County struggle to meet EPA requirements and may, as a result, lose an additional $1.8 billion in federal transportation funding.
In 2012, Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale ranked top of the most-polluted list for year-round particle levels. Residents in such cities face year-round particle pollution that includes:
- Aerosols
- Dust
- Soot
- AND other unhealthy breathable substances.
Spikes in particle pollution can be short-term or long-term, sometimes lasting for days. It’s a complex problem that will not go away quickly.
Helping Yourself – Trane CleanEffects™ Air Filtration
Correcting the dangers of poor Phoenix air quality is a government process that requires the help of businesses and individuals. Although you may not have the position, power or finances to initiate direct influences of major proportion, you do have the power to make small differences.
Here’s how you can help reduce the Phoenix air quality problem:
- Practice environmentally balanced driving habits
- Make use of public transportation
- Avoid blowing or sweeping debris and dust into the streets
- Plan your next vehicle around Green Choice options
- Close and seal household chemicals, cleaners, garage and solvents
- Buy Energy Star products
- Upgrade your older energy-hog heating and cooling system to an energy-efficient solution
- Work with an environmentally responsible Trane Air Conditioning Installation expert
- Install a Trane CleanEffects™ Air Filtration system.
Meet Arizona’s best-stocked Air Conditioning Professional, American Cooling and Heating. Here to provide you with 24/7 Phoenix AC Installation, ACH handles quality Trane air filtration equipment, Trane heat pumps, Trane air handlers and Trane AC units.
The Trane CleanEffects™ is the most effective air filtration and air purification device in the world. Designed for 99.98 percent allergen removal, this system sets the standard for indoor air quality. Make your Arizona home virtually dust free. Call now to schedule your free ACH inspection and estimate. The Trane CleanEffects™ air filtration device helps your HVAC system maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment.
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