American Lung Association Report Finds Air Quality Improves in Several Tennessee Cities and Counties

NASHVILLE TN (04/24/2013)(readMedia)-- EMBARGOED UNTIL 12 AM CDT April 24

The American Lung Association's "State of the Air 2013" report released today finds mixed results since the 2012 report for year-round particle pollution levels, unhealthy days of particle pollution and days of high ozone (smog). Overall, "State of the Air 2013" shows that the air quality nationwide continues the long-term trend to much healthier air.

Davidson County improved its ranking to an "A" for short-term particle pollution since it had no recorded high particle pollution days during the report period of 2009, 2010, and 2011. Davidson County also maintained its passing grades for ozone and annual particle pollution.

While Knox County showed an improvement in its ozone pollution level from an "F" to a "D" and also improved its short-term particle pollution going from a "C" to a "B," it received a failing grade for its year-round particle pollution. Both Shelby and Hamilton Counties got failing grades for ozone pollution, but received "B" for short-term particle pollution and passing grades for annual particle pollution.

Particle pollution levels can spike dangerously for hours to weeks on end (short-term) or remain at unhealthy levels on average every day (year-round). Ozone (smog) is the most widespread air pollutant, created by the reaction of sunlight on emissions from vehicles and other sources. When ozone is inhaled, it irritates the lungs, like a bad sunburn. It can cause immediate health problems that continue days later. Ozone can cause wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks and premature death.

In addition to Davidson County, eight other Tennessee counties made the list of cleanest counties in the country for short-term particle pollution: Blount, Lawrence, McMinn, Madison, Maury, Montgomery, Putnam and Sumner.

"The air across Tennessee is certainly cleaner than when we started the 'State of the Air' report 14 years ago," said Ellen Kershaw, Advocacy Director. "Even though unhealthy days of high ozone are still a problem, the air quality is still better compared to a decade ago. But the work is not done, and we must set stronger health standards for pollutants and cleanup sources of pollution to protect the health of our citizens."

Despite improvements, the "State of the Air 2013" report found that more than 131.8 million people in the U.S. still live in counties that have unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution, which equates to more than 4 in 10 people (42 percent).

The American Lung Association nationwide report reveals that from 2009-2011, many places made progress compared to 2008-2010, particularly in lower year-round levels of particle pollution. As a result of emissions reductions from coal-fired power plants and the transition to cleaner diesel fuels and engines, air quality is improving, especially in the eastern United States.

The Lung Association led the fight for a new, national air quality standard that strengthened outdated limits on annual levels of particle pollution, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last December. Thanks to air pollution health standards like this, set under the Clean Air Act and the EPA enforcement of these standards, the U.S. has seen continued reductions in air pollution.

Cleaning up major air pollution sources through steps like the cleaner gasoline and cleaner vehicle standards will drastically cut both ozone and particle pollution. That means more health protections for the nearly 132 million people living in counties with dangerous levels of either ozone or particle pollution. Those at greatest risk from air pollution include infants, children, older adults, anyone with lung diseases like asthma, people with heart disease or diabetes, people with low incomes and anyone who works or exercises outdoors.

"The evidence is clear that the Clean Air Act delivers significant health benefits," said Kershaw. "Congress needs to continue to ensure that the provisions under the Clean Air Act are protected and are enforced. EPA and every state must have adequate funding to monitor and protect our citizens from air pollution."

The American Lung Association's "State of the Air 2013" report is an annual, national air quality "report card." The 2013 report-the 14th annual release-uses the most recent quality assured air pollution data, compiled by the EPA, in 2009, 2010, and 2011. These data come from the official monitors for the two most widespread types of pollution, ozone (smog) and particle pollution (PM 2.5, also known as soot). The report grades counties and ranks cities and counties based on their scores for ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution levels.

The American Lung Association in Tennessee urges the public to join the fight for clean air and to learn how to protect themselves and their families from air pollution by visiting www.stateoftheair.org.

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About the American Lung Association in Tennessee

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association in Tennessee, visit www.alatn.org