katlefiya's Diaryland Diary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Okay, ok. We got this email on the agency-wide list this morning. I especially like the last paragraph. " June 2 is Clean Air Day Fine Particulate Matter and Your Health What is Particulate Matter and where does it come from? Particulate Matter (PM) is particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets, suspended in the air. Some particles are large enough to be seen with the naked eye while others, 1/20 the size of a human hair, can only be seen with a microscope. Factories, power plants, large industries and the ever-present motor car are obvious sources of PM. Less obvious culprits are burning wood and windblown dust from gravel roads and tilled fields. Particles also form when gases from burning react with sunlight and water vapour. Because of the wide variety of sources, exposure to PM in Canada is widespread in both urban and rural areas and remains a problem year-round. Particulate Matter and Health PM is among the most harmful of all pollutants because of its ability to evade the body's defences and lodge deep in the lungs. Once in the lungs it, or any attached pollutants, can be absorbed into the bloodstream or remain embedded for long periods of time. The finest particles, PM2.5, are especially harmful to children, the elderly and to people with heart or lung disease. Scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to PM, and it is not unusual for spikes in premature deaths, hospital admissions and emergency room visits to occur when PM levels are high. How can you contribute to cleaner air and reduce your exposure? Use public transit or car pool to keep the air cleaner. Consider mulching or composting organic waste instead of burning it. Even the occasional fire, especially the smouldering, smoking type typical of burning grass or leaves, can make you, your children and your neighbours sick. Use CSA or EPA certified stoves and dry, well-seasoned wood if you burn at home or at the cottage. If you can't, or won't, give up your vehicle, slow down and avoid quick starts and stops, and avoid idling or warming up your car for more than 30 seconds, Also, keep your tires properly inflated, your engine tuned and your exhaust system in good condition to reduce emissions. Commuting alternatives, such as walking, cycling, running, or skating, contribute to cleaner air but may increase your exposure to PM. Be sure to check the air quality forecasts (available for many regions in Canada) to find out the PM level in your area prior to heading out." I think this agency is all about paranoia. 8:34 a.m. - 2004-06-02 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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