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AIR POLLUTION
What is Air Pollution?
On a hot summer day, you may notice a brownish gray haze masking our
beautiful sky. This is likely caused by air pollution. Air pollution
is the contamination of our air by harmful substances such as carbon
monoxide and random particles. A primary contaminant in the
Arlington air is ground-level ozone. Unlike the protective ozone
layer in our atmosphere, ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant
that can cause negative health effects. Although this "bad ozone" is
an invisible gas, it is an indicator of the severity or presence of
smog.
Where is the Ozone?
Ozone occurs in two layers of the earth’s atmosphere, the
troposphere and stratosphere. Ground-level or “bad” ozone can
accumulate in the troposphere, polluting the earth’s surface. High
in the stratosphere, "good" ozone provides protection from the sun’s
harmful ultraviolet rays. Remember, ozone is "good up high, bad
nearby."
What causes Air Pollution?
Cough. Cough. Our vehicles are the primary source of air pollution
in Arlington. But aren’t today’s cars cleaner? Yes, however we are
driving more, and there are more cars and trucks on the road.
Industrial facilities and refineries, fuel-powered machinery and
household products also add harmful chemicals to our air. Even
painting, mowing, barbecuing and pumping gas cause air pollution.
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One hour of mowing
equates to 50 or more miles driving.
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Higher levels of air pollution usually occur on hot sunny days with
light winds. In Texas, this is primarily from March through October.
Emissions from cars, trucks and other sources react with the warm
sun, creating ground-level ozone and pollution.
Chemicals and
emissions released into the air before 10:00 are the most damaging
because it gives them longer to “bake,” creating bad, unhealthy
ozone at ground level.
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Tune up your car and
get an oil change: a poorly maintained car can produce the
same amount of air pollution as 28 well-maintained cars.
Keep your car running clean with REGULAR OIL CHANGES.
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Why should I care?
Because it’s your air. Air pollution can cause health problems such
as lung inflammation, skin damage, headaches, burning eyes and
scratchy throats. High concentrations of certain air pollutants are
extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury, cancer, or birth
defects.
Individuals with respiratory problems, people with heart or lung
disease, children, elderly residents, athletes and pregnant women
are at high risk for health problems from air pollution. Those who
play, work or exercise outdoors breathe pollutants deeper into their
lungs, which can increase the chance of negative health effects.
Chemicals and particles in the air also reduce visibility and can
damage buildings
and monuments.
Air pollution harms our loved ones, our environment and our
property. The frequency of Air Pollution Watch and Warning days
indicates our serious
pollution problem.
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