Troubling Findings: First Continuous Record of US Air Pollution Revealed
In an exciting breakthrough for scientists, the nation’s first continuous record of air pollution was recently unveiled. A newly launched satellite, named TEMPO, now sits above North America, providing hourly updates on air pollution levels across the country. These updates are a significant step towards understanding and combating the persistent issue of air pollution in the United States.
The first images released by researchers showcase the variations in nitrogen dioxide pollution over the course of a day. Nitrogen dioxide, primarily emitted from burning fuel, reacts with other chemicals in the air to create harmful pollutants. The images clearly highlight hot spots of nitrogen dioxide surrounding major cities, with higher levels observed during peak traffic hours in the morning and evening.
This comes at a time when the United States is facing a summer of exceptionally poor air quality, largely due to the widespread wildfires causing smoke to blanket multiple cities and regions. However, even before this summer, the improvements in air quality that were achieved since the implementation of the Clean Air Act in 1970 had started to plateau.
Despite the progress made over the years, approximately one-third of Americans still live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. This concerning statistic emphasizes the urgent need to address the issue and protect public health.
TEMPO’s capability to measure various pollutants besides nitrogen dioxide opens doors for monitoring other harmful substances. By continuously tracking air pollution from its source, scientists anticipate a better understanding of the biggest contributors on a national scale. This information acts as a crucial stepping stone in developing effective strategies to combat air pollution and protect human health.
Historically, car traffic has been a major source of air pollution. However, stricter emissions standards for motor vehicles have resulted in reduced pollution from driving. Instead, the relative significance of consumer products and materials emitting volatile organic compounds has increased. These compounds combine with nitrogen dioxide to produce ground-level ozone, which remains at persistently high levels in some areas, particularly in California and major metropolitan regions across the country. Ground-level ozone can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis.
Another persistent problem is fine particulate pollution, also known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream and cause severe health issues such as heart and lung diseases, strokes, and premature death. While there was a decline in PM2.5 pollution in previous years, it began resurging around 2016. Recent studies attribute this reversal to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, which are amplified by climate change.
Previous research relied on an older satellite that provided daily measurements, alongside computer models to fill in the gaps. The introduction of TEMPO and its hourly data will allow for a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of air pollution, akin to a video rather than still images. The data collected by TEMPO will be invaluable in tracking the origins of pollutants and developing more targeted strategies to combat air pollution.
To supplement the satellite data, scientists embarked on field research across the country. Researchers on foot and in research planes joined forces in a coordinated effort to investigate why air quality was no longer improving. This team of scientists is collecting data at a granular local level, covering various routes across economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities with higher concentrations of residents of color. This meticulous approach aims to account for the disproportionate distribution of air pollution within cities and regions.
The vast amount of data collected will be analyzed over the coming months. Researchers hope that the findings will not only shed light on the damaging effects of air pollution but will also equip policymakers with the necessary insights to address this pressing issue. With 400 registered users eagerly awaiting the availability of TEMPO’s data, including state and federal agencies, several critical studies and investigations are already in the pipeline.
By harnessing the power of satellite technology and collaborative field research, scientists are taking significant strides towards combating air pollution and safeguarding public health. The continuous record of air pollution provided by TEMPO will play a crucial role in highlighting the sources of pollution and driving evidence-based policy changes. With a better understanding of the problem, policymakers can develop effective strategies and work towards the ultimate goal of ensuring clean and healthy air for all Americans.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
