American Lung Association report examines the use of
satellite-derived data to track unhealthy levels of particle
pollution in areas without ground-based monitors
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association
today released a new report, "Something in the Air: Bridging the
Air Quality Data Gap with Satellite Technology," highlighting the
potential for satellite-derived data to complement the existing
U.S. air quality monitoring network. Focusing on fine particulate
matter (PM2.5), one of the most harmful air pollutants
to human health, this report emphasizes how emerging technologies,
such as satellites, can help provide critical air quality
information to underserved communities lacking official monitoring
data.
The report finds that while regulatory ground-based monitoring
stations provide critical air quality data, many regions in the
U.S. lack comprehensive coverage, particularly rural areas. In the
2024 "State of the Air" report, only 885 of the more than 3,000
U.S. counties had enough data to be graded for at least one
pollutant. Satellite technology offers a valuable supplement to
fill those gaps, delivering insight into the air quality in
unmonitored areas.
"Communities without local air quality monitors may be facing
dangerous levels of particle pollution without official data to
point to in order to advocate for change. Satellite-derived data
presents an exciting opportunity to augment the existing network of
monitors and improve our understanding of air quality across the
country. Our hope is that this results in more communities having
valuable information about air quality levels so they can better
protect their health," said Harold
Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung
Association.
Key Findings of the Report
- Preliminary estimates based on satellite-derived data suggest
that as many as 300 of the 2,700 counties in the U.S. with
incomplete or no monitoring data for annual levels of
PM2.5 in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 had estimated
levels of pollution high enough that they might have earned a
failing grade in the "State of the Air" report.
- The report highlights six unmonitored counties as examples
where satellite data indicates potentially concerning levels of
particle pollution: Collin, Texas;
Forsyth, Georgia; Marion, Oregon; Mohave, Arizona; St.
Charles, Missouri; and St. Tammany
Parish, Louisiana.
- These six counties provide only a snapshot. Air quality data
from satellites and improved modeling could help uncover other
communities with high particle pollution.
- Satellite-derived data help provide a more comprehensive
approach to air quality monitoring by extending coverage over a
wider landscape, revealing hotspots, pollution patterns and trends
that can give millions of people in the U.S. greater insight into
their air quality.
- Use of satellite-derived data is not intended to replace the
well-established "ground truth" of regulatory monitors, which
provide the accurate, localized data needed for compliance with air
quality standards and public health protections.
This report focuses on fine particle pollution, which is a mix
of tiny solid and liquid particles that are in the air we breathe
and are 1/30th the diameter of a strand of human hair or smaller.
Particle pollution comes from wildfires, wood-burning stoves, power
plants, gasoline- and diesel-engines in cars and trucks, and other
sources. These microscopic particles can trigger asthma attacks,
heart attacks and strokes, can cause lung cancer and can even be
deadly. According to the 2024 "State of the Air" report, 65 million
people lived in monitored counties that experienced unhealthy
spikes in particle pollution, the highest number in 14 years.
"Something in the Air: Bridging the Air Quality Data Gap with
Satellite Technology" calls for various actions from EPA, states
and individuals, including:
- EPA and states must fully implement the updated annual
PM2.5 standard.
- Because health-protective air quality standards are the basis
for both cleanup and for communities' understanding of local air
quality, EPA must also set stronger science-based standards for all
major air pollutants, including ozone and NO2.
- States should explore the use of satellite technology to
supplement monitoring and modeling when developing State
Implementation Plans for PM2.5 that ensure clean-up
plans maximize benefits for health, particularly in environmental
justice communities.
- States should embrace the opportunity to integrate supplemental
data sources into non-regulatory air quality advisory and alert
systems for public health protection.
- Individuals should use resources such as the EPA's AirNow
website (airnow.gov) to stay current on air quality conditions in
their area that might affect their health.
- Individuals can become advocates in support of local and
national policies that aim to improve air quality and reduce
pollution by joining the American Lung Association's Lung Action
Network.
Read the full report at Lung.org/something-in-the-air.
The analysis of satellite-derived data was conducted by Dr.
Tracey Holloway, Ms. Lizzy Kysela, and other members of the Holloway
Group at the University of Wisconsin—Madison's Nelson Institute
Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE).
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung
Association is the leading organization working to save lives by
improving lung health and preventing lung disease through
education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung
Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat
lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality
of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to
create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the
American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support
the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at
Lung.org/events.
This year, the American Lung Association is celebrating
120 years! Join us in our journey to champion
lung health and help us celebrate 120 Years of Impact. Donate
today at
Lung.org/donate.
CONTACT:
Jill Dale | American Lung
Association
P: 312-940-7001E: Jill.Dale@Lung.org
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SOURCE American Lung Association