Blog#3

Colby Veirs

9/23/11

SOC 202

Sills

Blog #3

            The ozone is a main component of smog and is created when certain volatile chemicals emitted from cars and factories are burned or react with the sunlight. It is the gas you breathe daily along with all the others chemicals and gasses that are in the air but mostly the oxygen we need when it’s not over polluted. While inhaling the surrounding air you also get the ozone gas that’s trapped in the thermosphere we live and breathe in. It can cause irritation and inflammation of the airways as well as coughing and shortness of breath. The problem worsens for certain groups of people, especially children who spend more time outdoors, breathe more rapidly along with seniors and those with asthma or other respiratory health issues. The amount of pollutant taken in by any being is based on the amount of pollutant per pound of body weight. In 2008 the EPA reduced the allowable level from 84 parts per billion to 75ppb. The change would greatly lead to cleaner air and improve public health all over. Then the EPAs independent advisory panel had recommended that the limit be set even lower to range from 60 to 70ppb. Critics, including scientists, environmental advocates and medical associations, such as the American Thoracic Society accused the George W Bush administration of prioritizing the economic concerns of polluters over the interests of the general public. Fast-forwarding to the Obama administration there is a new EPA administrator that wanted to revisit the standards. They voted and agreed on the older panels data.  A 2010 regulatory impact analysis report, said lowering it to 70ppb would have beneficial effects for the public would prevent more heart attacks asthma and premature deaths but the Clean Air Act said they would revisit after the 5-year mandate in 2013.

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-ozone-health.story