Air Pollution ms.scott@inwood52.org Inwood Intermediate School 52 650 Academy Street, NY, NY 10034

PUBLIC POLICY ANALYST STEP 1: DEFINE THE PROBLEM STEP 2: GATHER THE EVIDENCE STEP 3: IDENTIFY THE CAUSES STEP 4: EXAMINE THE EXISTING POLICY STEP 5: DEVELOP NEW SOLUTIONS STEP 6: SELECT THE BEST SOLUTION

STEP 1: DEFINE THE PROBLEM What is happening in each of these photos?

The Importance Of Air Other planets have sunlight, but the Earth is the only planet we know that has air and water. Without air and water, the Earth would be unable to sustain life. A diverse community of plant and animal life has thrived on this planet for millions of years, sustained by the sun and supported by the soil, water and air.

Scientific Definition of Air Pollution Air pollution occurs when the air contains gases, dust, fumes or odors in harmful amounts. That is, amounts which could be harmful to the health or comfort of humans and animals or which could cause damage to plants and materials. http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/air/aq4kids/pollution.asp

DISCUSS AND SHARE DEFINITION OF TYPES OF POLLUTION (IN GROUPS)

STEP 2: GATHER THE EVIDENCE Read and discuss an article on how air pollution has improved or worsened in NYC. Article 1: New York’s Air Is Cleanest in 50 Years http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/nyregion/new-yorks-air-is-cleanest-in-50-years-survey-finds.html?_r=0

Gathering Evidence: Article 2: Post-Sandy Air Quality Concerns Remind Some Manhattan Residents Of September 11 http://www.ny1.com/content/news/174238/post-sandy-air-quality-concerns-remind-some-manhattan-residents-of-september-11

Causes of Air Pollution Humans are the main cause of air pollution. Industry, including factories and power plants, burn large quantities of fuel. Burning coal and petroleum releases sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxide into the air. Airplanes, boats, and cars burn petroleum, releasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Sources of Outdoor Air Pollution

What are local causes? Car/Bus Idling Why is idling of vehicles a problem? Vehicle exhaust is hazardous to human health, especially children. Studies have linked pollution from vehicles to increased rates of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma and allergies. Idling wastes resources and damages the environment. Burning fuel needlessly costs you money and contributes to air pollution problems.

More Local Causes Fuel Combustion (except vehicles): Article 3 - Clean Heat, Clean Energy in Northern Manhattan https://cleanheat.wordpress.com/air-pollution-related-illness/ http://ccceh.org/locations/northern-manhattan-and-south-bronx

Effects of Air Pollution: Low level exposure Irritates eyes Causes inflammation of respiratory tract Can develop into chronic respiratory diseases

The Clean Air Act Clean Air Act – was passed in 1970 and amended in 1990. This law changed: the way utilities operate power plants. how cars are designed how consumer products are made. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the Clean Air Act.

The Clean Air Act (con’t) Authorizes EPA to set limits on amount of specific air pollutants permitted Focuses on 6 pollutants: lead, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone The Clean Air Act has led to decreases!

Now it’s your turn… It’s time to develop some new solutions. The Clean Air Act was just a first step. It is up to you and your group mates to move the agenda forward. Look at the local causes of air pollution and create a policy to address one of those causes. Develop some solutions and select the best one to present to the rest of the class. See Steps 5 & 6 in the PPA Outline.