London has been named among the top 10 worst cities in the UK for air pollution.

Research from the indoor air quality experts HouseFresh revealed that the air quality levels in London were the equivalent of indirectly smoking 154 cigarettes a year.

This meant it ranked fourth on the UK list, with only Northampton, Nottingham and Bristol being worse.

To determine the number of cigarettes people around the world are indirectly smoking due to poor air quality, HouseFresh reviewed data on average PM2.5 concentrations in cities worldwide from AQICN.org.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, and due to its minute size can get into the lungs and bloodstream.

They then converted it to the equivalent number of cigarettes passively smoked per year in terms of negative health effects using a formula from Berkeley Earth.

On their website, they said: “Berkeley’s Earth describes a rule-of-thumb that compares exposure to PM2.5 particles to cigarettes smoked: one cigarette per day is the rough equivalent of a PM2.5 level of 22 µg/m3.

“We took the average daily median AQI PM2.5 during 2022 as the average AQI PM2.5 in the city. We converted that value to cigarettes as per Berkeley’s Earth rule-of-thumb and multiplied the result by 365 to obtain how many cigarettes you’ve indirectly smoked during a year.”

Top 10 worst UK cities for air pollution

1. Northampton – equivalent to indirectly smoking 189 cigarettes a year

2. Nottingham – 181 cigarettes

3. Bristol – 163 cigarettes

4. Southampton – 162 cigarettes

5. Kingston-upon-Hull – 161 cigarettes

6. Cardiff – 160 cigarettes

7. Southend – 157 cigarettes

7. Norwich – 157 cigarettes

8. Leeds – 155 cigarettes

9. London – 154 ciagarettes

10. Stoke – 149 cigarettes

HouseFresh said that in general, the highest concentrations of toxic particulate matter are located in the southeast part of England, while the lowest are in northern England and Scotland.

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Three weeks after the toxic train derailment in Ohio, an independent analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data has found nine air pollutants at levels that, if they persist, could raise long-term health concerns in and around East Palestine.

The analysis by Texas A&M University researchers stands in contrast to statements by state and federal regulators that air near the crash site is completely safe, despite residents complaining about rashes, breathing problems and other health effects.

In response on Friday, EPA officials said that air quality levels of 79 chemicals they are monitoring remain below levels of concern for short-term exposure, and that current concentrations are likely to dissipate.

But the data only adds to questions and concerns that have weighed on residents for weeks, as they wonder how contaminated their community has become.

In its examination of EPA data, the Texas A&M researchers found elevated levels of chemicals known to trigger eye and lung irritation, headaches and other symptoms, as well as some that are known or suspected to cause cancer.

It would take months, if not years, of exposure to the pollutants for serious health effects, said Weihsueh Chiu, one of the researchers.

EPA officials emphasized this point Friday. They stressed that the safety threshold the researchers used to analyze the data assumes constant exposure over a lifetime, and said they don’t expect the pollution to remain at high concentrations “anywhere near that long.”

The Texas researchers said it was “good news” that levels of benzene and related chemicals were not elevated in the air sampling. But they said EPA measured acrolein, a hazardous substance found in smoke, at concentrations that could have long-term health effects, along with other chemicals at lower levels that in combination could also raise health concerns if they remained at these levels for months or years.

Update (2/3) Compared to EPA National Air Toxics data (NATA 2014), some concentrations in East Palestine (OH) for 9 out of ~50 chemicals EPA reported are higher than “normal.” If these levels continue, they may be of health concern (especially acrolein). pic.twitter.com/q4jyxS45Lu

— Texas A&M Superfund Research Center (@tamusuperfund) February 24, 2023

Of the cars that derailed from the Norfolk Southern train on Feb. 3, 11 of them were carrying chemicals used to make plastic. As temperatures inside one rail car rose to levels that authorities feared would cause a massive explosion, they carried out a “controlled release” of the chemicals on Feb. 6.

EPA collected the data between Feb. 4 and Feb. 21, and posted the data publicly but without context that shows “potential concern about long-term health effects,” said Chiu, a professor of veterinary physiology and pharmacology at Texas A&M. While some of the highest air pollution readings EPA reported were collected in the days after the controlled chemical release, some more recent samples still remain elevated, Chiu said.

“We can’t say whether these levels are causing the current symptoms,” Chiu said. EPA “would want to definitely make sure that these higher levels that are detected would be reduced before they left and declared everything cleaned up.”

EPA said it has conducted indoor air testing on about 570 homes and found no contaminants associated with the derailment inside them. The agency continues to test the air through 20 monitors around the East Palestine area, as well as via aircraft and other mobile detection equipment, and said it has not detected any levels of air pollution associated with the derailment that trigger health concerns from short-term exposure.

Experts say Texas A&M’s analysis is not a cause for immediate concern but that it highlights uncertainties about the derailment’s long-term effects.

“We don’t know enough about how those levels will change over time in order to rule out any concerns about long-term exposures or risks,” said Keeve Nachman, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “An evolving understanding of EPA’s exposure mitigation activities, and data to show they’re effective, would give us more confidence in trying to make a statement about potential risks.”

While the air pollution may not be surpassing levels of concern for short-term exposure, and even if it dissipates soon enough to avoid long-term health impacts, it could still pose risks, said Albert Presto, a research professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University who is working with the Texas A&M researchers to study air pollution in East Palestine.

“We don’t know the health impact of a more chronic, low-level exposure,” he said.

At the same time, it’s relatively easy to understand the impacts of contamination coming from a factory or a power plant, for example, but harder to trace pollution coming from sources that are more widespread, Presto said.

Air pollution linked to the initial derailment and to the controlled release of chemicals has long since been blown away and dissipated, but some could still be emanating from contamination that spread across the East Palestine area and settled on the ground.

Meanwhile, other states are raising concern about toxic waste being sent outside of Ohio for disposal. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) said she was surprised to learn contaminated soil was being moved by truck to a disposal site in Belleville, Mich., and planned to seek more information about it to ensure safety.

In Texas, communities near Houston voiced fears about 500,000 gallons of water contaminated with firefighting foam, a source of “forever” chemicals, sent there to be injected into a deep well for disposal.

In East Palestine, concerns about widespread toxicity continue to keep residents on edge. Some 150 gathered on Thursday night for a question-and-answer session with scientists at an arts center in East Palestine, and much of it was devoted to concerns that there is still no data on whether pollutants known as dioxins, produced when plastic is burned, might be present in the community.

One woman who said she has dealt with persistent breathing problems and a sore throat in recent weeks asked the panel of speakers how concerned she should be for her dog. Stephen Lester, science director for the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, told her that it won’t be clear until EPA provides more clarity and takes action to assuage the community.

“You have to be concerned,” he answered, “because of all the things you don’t know.”

Rebecca Kiger contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON, DC– Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden welcomed $17,961,000 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Maine through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Maine communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

 

“From clean drinking water to safe sewage systems, modernized infrastructure is central to the success of Maine communities,” members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation said. “This significant funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will make overdue investments to improve public health, address repair backlogs, and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. We’re proud to see this historic law continue to deliver for Maine people.”

 

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

 

“The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding critical water infrastructure projects across New England, especially in places that have been historically underserved,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Every community should know that their wastewater services are keeping the environment healthy and supporting the lives of people living nearby. We are proud to work with states, Tribes, and communities in making these unprecedented investments.”

 

“The increased funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be put to good use across the state to upgrade Maine’s wastewater infrastructure.  This infrastructure is critical to protect the waters of the state, protect public health, and support our economy,” said Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. 

 

To date, $69 million has been announced to Maine through the infrastructure law for clean and safe water across the state and to improve water infrastructure. Of this funding, $28.4 million is dedicated to lead pipe and service line replacement, with another $18 million for safe drinking water investments that can also support lead pipe replacement in fiscal year 2022 and 2023.

 

Today’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes, and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country. 

 

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment. 

 

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks. 

 

More Information: 

 

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf .

 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure law provides EPA with more than $60 billion over five years for a wide range of environmental programs that will bring much-needed funding to America’s water infrastructure, environmental cleanups, and clean air protections, while also advancing environmental justice and combatting climate change. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and how EPA is working with communities at www.epa.gov/infrastructure.

 

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Led by scientists at the University of Manchester, a series of new stable, porous materials that capture and separate benzene have been developed. Benzene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and is an important feedstock for the production of many fine chemicals, including cyclohexane. But it also poses a serious health threat to humans when it escapes into the air and is thus regarded as an important air pollutant.

The research published today (Feb 24) in the journal Chem, demonstrates the high adsorption of benzene at low pressures and concentrations, as well as the efficient separation of benzene and cyclohexane. This was achieved by the design and successful preparation of two families of stable metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, named UiO-66 and MFM-300.

These highly porous materials are made from metal nodes bridged by functionalized organic molecules that act as struts to form 3-dimensional lattices incorporating empty channels into which volatile compounds can enter.

VOCs such as benzene are common indoor air pollutants, showing increasing emissions from anthropogenic activities and causing many environmental problems. They are also linked with millions of premature deaths each year. Benzene is one of the most toxic VOCs, and is classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans.

“The really exciting thing about these materials is that they allow us not only to capture and remove benzene from the air, but also to separate benzene from cyclohexane, which is an important industrial product often prepared from benzene,” says Professor Martin Schröder, lead author of the paper published in Chem.

“Because of the small difference in their boiling points (just 0.6 ℃) the separation of benzene and cyclohexane is currently extremely difficult and expensive to achieve via distillation or other methods.”

Conventional adsorbents, such as activated carbons and zeolites, often suffer from structural disorder which can restrict their effectiveness in capturing benzene. This new research also reports a comprehensive study of the adsorption of benzene and cyclohexane in these ultra-stable materials to afford a deep understanding of why and how they work.

“The crystalline nature of MOF materials enables the direct visualization of the host-guest chemistry at the atomic scale using advanced diffraction and spectroscopic techniques,” says Professor Sihai Yang, another lead author on the paper.

“Such fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship is crucial to the design of new sorbent materials showing improved performance in benzene capture.”

More information:
Martin Schröder, Control of the Pore Chemistry in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Adsorption of Benzene and Separation of Benzene/Cyclohexane, Chem (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2023.02.002. www.cell.com/chem/fulltext/S2451-9294(23)00066-9

Journal information:
Chem

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Clean air is on the minds of many as we watch the aftermath of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Here in West Virginia, communities have had questions about what they were breathing near industrial facilities for generations. But an agreement between the state Department of Environmental Protection and Union Carbide Corporation could help ease the minds of those in Institute, W.Va.

An agreement between the DEP’s Division of Air Quality and Union Carbide will implement new measures to reduce ethylene oxide (a known human carcinogen) emissions from the facility. According to the DEP, UCC’s EtO distribution system at its Institute facility is responsible for unloading all rail cars containing EtO and supplying it to the Institute and South Charleston facilities. DEP says the system was already in compliance with EtO terms, conditions and air permits, but these new steps will go beyond even federal rules and regulations.

“They will be enforced at the state level and reduce the amount of EtO emitted and the potential risk in the Institute area,” DEP said.

“This agreement is an important step in ensuring that the health and well-being of West Virginia’s communities remain protected,” said WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward. “It is the result of working through our regulatory process, collecting fence line monitoring data, and conducting significant public outreach.”

Wonderful. But the work is far from over.

DEP says it is “continuing to work with West Virginia facilities and communities to reduce the potential health risks associated with air toxic emissions.” Collaborative agreements with corporations are a nice way to get that done, but officials had better not be counting on (or waiting for) agreements in all the Mountain State’s affected communities.

Playing nice won’t finish this job; and West Virginians have already waited long enough.

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By Mary Alice Miller

Constituents, activists, lobbyists, and elected officials gathered from across the state on a cold Saturday in February to meet, greet and strategize at the 52nd Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. The well-attended event took place as usual in New York’s halls of power in the State Capital complex Albany.
Caucus Chair Assemblywoman Latrice Walker spoke of this year’s theme, “Fight the Power.” “The theme is an ode to the signature protest anthem by Public Enemy in which Chuck D and Flava Flav challenge listeners to fight the powers that be,” said Walker. “It is a fitting mantra as we join New York City and, indeed, the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.”
Walker added, “As we gather this weekend, we are mindful of the challenges. In the face of these challenges, we are energized and equipped to fight for legislation to improve the lives of New Yorkers – inspired by the rich history of lawmakers of color who came before us.”
The packed workshops focused on health care, small business resources for MWBEs, criminal justice, immigrant communities, transportation, and veterans. Other overlapping workshops were directed at domestic violence, education, cannabis, climate, home ownership, employment, reproductive rights, and Black motherhood.

Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman hosted a panel on Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma through Civic Engagement for BIPOC Communities. Waterman stressed the importance of ensuring houses of worship have adequate resources to address community mental health. “We all know someone who has a health issue, and the first thing they will say is, ‘my pastor will pray with me,’” said Waterman. “Religious leaders need the resources to make appropriate referrals.”
Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas hosted Indoor Air Quality Workshop to Combat Airborne Sickness. Lucas plans to bring a pilot program to the 60th AD to address sick building syndrome. Using emerging technology that would filtrate air to kill viruses and mold, Lucas said added benefits of the program would bring job force training, certification, and placement to the district.
The workshop on Mobilizing our Communities to be Active Activists encouraged everyone to play a role in improving conditions in our communities. Everyone can witness and record events with a mini-computer in their pockets. No longer are police allowed to get away with harmful actions against community members. Now, said a panelist, police can face criminal charges, disciplinary actions, and referral to the Department of Justice.

Black Farmers Thriving workshop highlighted the opportunities available to Black farmers who grow sustenance and commodity crops. Black Farmers United and Farm School NYC share resources and provide support and encouragement to Black farmers.
Zeta Phi Beta hosted a workshop called Transforming Individuals and Communities by Creating Generational Wealth. Speaker Carl Heastie addressed workshop attendees and commended them for their community service.
The U.S. Freedman Project – Assemblywoman Lucas hosted a Reparation Legislation workshop. She spoke of her reparations bill (Bill draft #07401-01-3) that needs to be indexed. Based on the California Reparations bill and learning from that state’s experience, Lucas’ bill would address the vestiges of the U.S. chattel slavery system, establishes community eligibility as those whose ancestors were free in the U.S. as of 1900, establishes a Freedman Bureau, and focuses on New York State as a member of the United States (even though chattel slavery predates the United States and existed in the 13 colonies).
Attorney General Letitia James addressed the Women’s Luncheon and spoke of the importance of women in leadership.

The Northern Showstyle Coalition of Marching Bands featured elementary, middle, and high school students who moved around the showcase floor entertaining attendees. The coalition had schools from the greater New York area, including the Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts.

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Those tastemakers who influence home design trends—bloggers, hosts of home improvement shows, social media mavens, and high-profile architects—are leading the charge toward the “European” look of painted brick. Most of these “influencers” still love the natural warmth of traditional brick, but creative people, like architects, designers, and homeowners who are their clients, crave choices! 

This has led to a groundswell of interest about what the colors, textures, and even the chemical composition of these paints should be. As it turns out, there is a serious safety issue with “painted” brick that many homeowners have never considered. This has led influencers and homeowners to take a long, hard look at mineral-based products such as Romabio limewash.

What This Means For You — It is not only possible but also easy, to have a choice in the look and feel of exterior and interior brick that meets the aesthetic plans of the most demanding homeowners. It starts with Romabio, from Acme Brick. Plus, these mineral-based paints are safer than traditional paint. Click here for details.

What Makes Romabio Different

“Based on the number of customers who click on our stories about ‘painted brick,’ it is clear homeowners are interested in what types of products work best to enhance the look of our brick,” said Britt Stokes of Acme Brick. “Romabio products have fundamentally changed the dynamics of masonry paint. 

“While most paint products are acrylic or latex and use petroleum-based ingredients as their primary binder, Romabio begins with potassium silicate and clean, mineral-based technology for their traditional mineral-based paints. They only manufacture exceptional paints and finishes with the best ingredients available.”

Why is this important to homeowners who want to paint their brick interiors and exteriors? Romabio products are “bio-logical,” and this means they are safer for families and pets that live in the home. Unlike traditional latex paint, Romabio products do not seal the brick, but rather allow it to breathe.

According to Romabio spokesman Matt Hocutt, “Our very name honors our commitment to the environment while acknowledging our Italian roots. It is pronounced ‘Roma/Bio.’ 

“Romabio products are designed and formulated in Italy, addressing traditional paint industry challenges with innovative products, giving consumers solutions not found elsewhere. Classico Limewash formulation is one of a kind as it is the first authentic limewash paint that you can distress easily, but still provides durability and performance,” he said. 

“Romabio does not sacrifice authentic ingredients when creating products for the North American marketplace. Paint must be high-performing and make homes beautiful while lasting over time. We all want materials in our homes that are sustainable and not poorly designed, so we won’t need to replace them every year. Romabio creates quality products using the finest ingredients, keeping the ease of process in mind along with durability, beauty, and air quality.”

VOCs From Latex Paint Are Dangerous

As the focus on “healthy buildings” continues to grow, many architects, homebuilders, and their clients, the homeowners, have another set of initials to worry about. It’s VOC – volatile organic compounds. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. VOCs are often components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry – cleaning agents. VOCs are common groundwater contaminants.”

The Romabio products are mineral-based and contain no volatile organic compounds.

“The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health, estimating that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the outdoors,” noted Matt Hocutt of Romabio. “Yet current laws and regulations do not fully regulate the contaminants and chemicals in paint.

“Romabio Paints are all eco-friendly, tested for toxins, and safe for pets, people, and the planet. Historically, limewashes have always been environmentally better than traditional paints and easier to dispose of.” 

Find Romabio Products at Acme Brick

It is appropriate that Romabio paint for brick is available from one of America’s most respected brick manufacturers. Stokes notes, “Acme offers both limewash and masonry paint for those who want to change the look of their brickwork. 

Classico Limewash creates that charming old-world feel with a freshly painted look, but because some of the brick remains exposed, the warmth and quality endure. All it takes is a single coat for absorbent, unpainted brick, stone, or another masonry, with no primer needed. Specially formulated to be easily manipulated in the first five days of application, you can test the product and see the results with no risk. Once it calcifies to the surface, it is breathable and will not seal the brick or stone, ensuring that it doesn’t peel, chip, or flake off. 

BioDomus I & II are mineral-based, breathable paints that will not seal the masonry surface. Unlike acrylic or latex, they will not peel, chip, or flake off. Both BioDomus I and BioDomus II are high-performing paints that are inherently the same except for the finish they create.

• BioDomus I produces a flat finish.
• BioDomus II has a slight aggregate in it to create a textured look on smooth brick or a smoother finish on a rough surface.

Color possibilities are almost unlimited,” Stokes added. “As you can match other color palettes or choose from over 200 colors in the Romabio color deck. With a high UV resistance, a breathable wall, and a 20-year warranty, the performance of these products is made to last.”

The German Schmear

Home design influencers are raving about a new way to show off this distressed brick look—the German Schmear—and these Romabio mineral-based paints are ideal for this process. This is a simple DIY project that can completely change the look and feel of any brick wall.

The technique uses wet mortar or Romabio limewash applied to brick and partially wiped off before drying. This style gives the appearance of uneven mortar joints, reminiscent of old cottage homes and castles in Germany.

Click here for a great “how to” video for a stunning German Schmear.

 

Romabio limewash and mineral-based paints are perfect for giving brick that subtle elegance many homeowners want. Plus, they are eco-friendly. If you’re an architect, interior designer, builder, or homeowner, click here to talk to the painted-brick experts at Acme Brick.
 

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ATLANTA— Standing in solidarity with local organizations, communities and forest defenders who have been safeguarding the South River Forest for years, the Center for Biological Diversity is calling for the permanent protection of Atlanta’s biologically diverse forest and an independent investigation into the killing of a 26-year-old activist fighting to protect it.

The Center condemns Georgia law enforcement’s killing of Manuel Estaban Paez Terán, known as Tortuguita, and demands an independent and transparent investigation. Tortuguita died fighting to save one of the last and largest forests in metropolitan Atlanta from a harmful police facility development.

“We support the courageous defenders who are sounding the alarm against the destruction of Atlanta’s last forest,” said Will Harlan, a scientist at the Center. “As we seek justice for Tortuguita, we have to continue his mission to save this precious forest habitat and prevent a destructive development from further polluting a watershed that serves so many people.”

The police department is building the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, known as Cop City, on 85 acres of the South River Forest. Stormwater discharge from the construction of the police training facility would further degrade the nearby watershed, destroy wildlife habitat and harm public health.

The 3,500-acre forest protects the headwaters of Georgia’s largest and most biologically diverse watershed, which supplies drinking water to millions of people downstream. It is also home to more than 175 species of wildlife, including the Michaux’s sumac, a federally endangered plant, and the Altamaha shiner, a state threatened fish.

The city has called South River Forest “one of Atlanta’s lungs,” providing clean air and a contiguous canopy of shaded, protected lands within the heavily developed beltway. As the world’s fourth-largest urban area, Atlanta loses more than 50 acres of tree cover per day because of development.

Permanent protection of South River Forest as a public park would unite the network of natural, historic and cultural features in the area. Such protections already have widespread public and local government support. In its 2017 city charter, the city called for the permanent protection of the forest.

Frontline communities of Southeast Atlanta are leading the charge to protect the South River Forest. Residents of the South River watershed have suffered through decades of massive sewage spills and industrial waste dumping. A permanently protected forest would address long-standing social and environmental justice concerns and dramatically improve community health.

The Muscogee people are the original inhabitants of the area and call the South River Forest Weelaunee, meaning “green.” Members of the Muscogee Creek Nation should be consulted in determining the forest’s future.

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An early Fox 61 news story about the closure of John C. Clark Elementary School in Hartford. The school was eventually closed permanently because of contamination. Credit: Screengrab / Fox 61

JAMIL RAGLAND

Polychlorinated biphenyls, better known as PCBs, are industrial chemicals that were used as coolants and lubricants in mechanical equipment for over 50 years. They were banned in the late 1970s when evidence began to accumulate that PCBs accumulate in the environment and cause negative health impacts on plants and animals. Since their ban, PCBs have been linked to skin conditions such as acne, liver damage, and are even considered a carcinogen that may cause cancers of the liver and biliary tract.

So when these dangerous chemicals were found in John C. Clark School in Hartford, the reaction was swift. Parents were rightfully concerned about the safety of their children, as were staff and faculty. The problem was so pervasive that the school was permanently closed in 2016, with promises to build a new school. In 2019, NBC Connecticut conducted an investigation and found that up to 11 other schools in the city may have similar contamination. 

Seven years after the discovery of the carcinogens, very little has been done. Clark School remains closed, with no plans to replace it anywhere on the horizon. Many of the other schools which NBC Connecticut investigated have not been tested. And now, concerns are spreading across the city as young, otherwise healthy adults are developing cancers after attending both Clark and Annie Fisher elementary schools.

The major challenge of PCBs is that over time, they degrade and become airborne. The airborne levels in Clark School were over 2,000 times higher than federal guidelines allow. While schools are the site of focus, the fact is that any building in Hartford that was built or renovated during the PCB era presents a public health danger. But with tearing down or renovating those buildings proving to be prohibitively expensive, what other options are there?

This question inspired the City of Hartford to team up with Upward Hartford, a local nonprofit, and Aura Air, an international business that sells air purification systems, to host a 24-hour Hackathon aimed at solving the indoor air quality issues the city faces. From February 11-12, students, businesspeople, community members and local officials came together to work through the night to come up with innovative solutions. 

The Hackathon was not an idle academic exercise. The winning idea will be implemented as a pilot program that would roll out across the city, and the team that came up with it receives $1,000. The federal Environmental Protection Agency provided the funds and resources for the Hackathon. One of the key problems that many of the teams identified was a lack of knowledge about the issue. Many residents think of air quality in terms of outdoor activities, such as greenhouse gasses and other pollutants that residents are familiar with. But all of these pollutants also filter into buildings, and combined with PCBs, asbestos, and other hazardous materials, they present an intensified danger to people who live and work in the city.

Most of the teams decided that raising awareness was the first step to addressing the problem, and focused their efforts there. The ideas generated covered a range of approaches. One team wanted to create a poignant video about how indoor air pollution negatively impacts health, especially for children.

Another thought that formal education was the best way to share information about the dangers of pollution, and proposed specific curriculum for K-12 students to learn about while in school, and a second curriculum for college-age students. Still another team shined a light on the problem of illegal dumping in the city, and its dual impacts on health- first from the garbage itself, and second from the pests and vermin the garbage attracts. Both compromise air quality for people.

The takeaway was that when people are empowered to solve problems, by receiving space and resources to do so, the results can be remarkable. Dozens of people from Greater Hartford came together and put forth real solutions that will improve health and save lives. They were diverse, from all walks of life and all sorts of professional backgrounds. They worked through the lens of environmental justice, acknowledging throughout that poor indoor air quality disproportionately impacts low-income people and people of color.

The issue of PCBs and poor indoor air quality in Hartford remains a pressing one, but the city and its residents took a concrete step toward resolving it by working together.

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Around 20 to 30% of the population annually suffers from seasonal allergies. Although San Francisco has a low overall allergy ranking amongst US cities, it has a long allergy season which can still be challenging for allergy sufferers. Plus, there is still a wide variety of different trees and plants that can trigger allergies in San Francisco. Therefore, in this article, we’ll discover which plants trigger allergies in every season and when the allergy season peaks. We’ll also explore what you can do to alleviate your allergy symptoms.

When is Allergy Season in San Francisco?

Allergies in San Francisco can be quite bothersome even if the city doesn’t make the list of top allergy capitals.

©iStock.com/Christine944

The allergy season in San Francisco lasts from January to November. The long allergy season offers allergy sufferers little respite from seasonal allergies. However, despite the length of its season, San Francisco does not rank high on 2022’s list of allergy capitals. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, San Francisco ranks at only 98 overall, rising to 94 during the spring and dropping slightly to 99 in the fall.

How Do Plants Cause Allergies?

If you’re an allergy sufferer, you likely already know that certain plants or trees are your allergens, but have you ever wondered why your body reacts to them?

The answer is very simple — your body assumes that plant pollen is harmful and tries to fight it. This is called an immune response, which triggers the release of histamine to attack the “harmful” substance. Under normal circumstances, this is a perfectly natural reaction by the body. However, the problem arises because the pollen — or whatever else you’re allergic to (pet hair, mold, etc.) — is misidentified by the body as something harmful to it. Therefore, common allergy symptoms occur when the body tries to fight it. These include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Plants that Cause Allergies in San Francisco (By Season)

San Francisco allergies occur throughout the year, not just in spring.

©Engel Ching/Shutterstock.com

Although many plants can cause allergies, we can classify seasonal allergens into three main groups: tree, grass, and weed. As these usually occur at different times of the year, it’s entirely possible for you to suffer worse with your allergies at a certain time of the year, depending on which ones trigger your allergies the most.

Spring

As we’ve already mentioned, spring is the worst time of the year for allergies in San Francisco, and this is the time of the tree pollen. The most significant allergens during the spring come from oak, maple, and willow trees. Willow trees, in particular, begin pollinating in February and can continue well into May.

Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is another major allergen in San Francisco. Despite its name, it is not actually an oak — instead, it’s a woody vine. It causes a rash and itching after being touched. However, it can also cause the same reaction if it is burnt and the smoke is inhaled.

Summer

As the days roll on into summer, it is time to tune our attention to the grasses. Although grasses may look innocuous, they release vast amounts of pollen into the air. The area’s main causes of grass allergies are bluegrass, ryegrass, timothy, bent, and Bermuda grass. Bent grass is among the most significant, known for being a high pollen producer.

Fall

Next, we move into fall, which is the turn of the weeds. Of all the weeds in the country, ragweed is easily the one that allergy sufferers fear the most. This is because of its ability to produce around one billion grains of pollen every year from one plant. Sagebrush is another common fall allergen. It is a shrub-like weed and pollinates in the late summer and early fall months.

Winter

Finally, we head into winter. However, the relatively stable and mild climate of San Francisco means there isn’t a huge gap between the end of one allergy season and the start of the new one. Also, the late pollination of some weeds and the early pollination of some trees can mean that the allergy season gradually becomes a little longer every year. Plus, even if your seasonal allergies take a break during the winter, other allergens exist around you — such as mold.

How to Ease Allergy Symptoms

Now that you know exactly which plants cause allergies in San Francisco and how they do it, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything that you can do about them. Well, the good news is that there is. In fact, there are two steps that you can take. Let’s go through them in detail below.

Avoidance

Although it’s impossible to avoid the pollen that aggravates your allergies completely, there are things that you can do to limit your exposure to them.

• Take an allergy test: An allergy test can tell you which types of pollen you are allergic to. This can help you to avoid exposure to it during peak times.
• Watch the pollen count: The pollen count indicates how much pollen there is around each day. When the pollen count is high, staying indoors as much as possible is a good idea. You should also keep your windows and doors closed at peak times too.
• Avoid gardening: We know the last thing you want to do is to have to avoid spending time in your garden. However, chores such as weeding, mowing the lawn, and trimming trees mean you are putting yourself right in the middle of all the grains of pollen that are around.
• Wash your clothes: Although it may seem simple, changing and washing your clothes after you’ve been outside can make a big difference — especially if you’ve been in the garden. This is because the pollen grains can stick to your clothes and then get tracked into your home. However, it’s also important to avoid hanging your laundry outside as otherwise, the exact same thing will happen when you bring it back inside.
• Use an air purifier: Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, pollen will still manage to end up inside your home. This is the last thing you want as an allergy sufferer, as you at least want your home to be a safe, allergy-free space. Therefore, an air purifier or a powerful filter such as a HEPA filter will remove dust and pollen from the air, making it much cleaner for you to breathe in.

Medication

• Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays are a type of anti-inflammatory. They can be used to reduce the swelling in the blood vessels in your nose. This will help to open your airways and reduce some of the congestion caused by your allergies, allowing you to breathe easier.

• Oral antihistamine tablets: Possibly the best-known allergy treatment, oral antihistamines work to relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine in your body. Histamine is the substance that reacts to and attacks the allergen in your body.

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Originally Appeared Here