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

Air Pollution

ms.scott@inwood52.orgInwood Intermediate School 52650 Academy Street, NY, NY 10034

PUBLIC POLICY ANALYST

STEP 1: DEFINE THE PROBLEMSTEP 2: GATHER THE EVIDENCESTEP 3: IDENTIFY THE CAUSESSTEP 4: EXAMINE THE EXISTING POLICYSTEP 5: DEVELOP NEW SOLUTIONSSTEP 6: SELECT THE BEST SOLUTION

STEP 1: DEFINE THE PROBLEM

What is happening in each of these photos?

The Importance Of AirOther 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 IdlingWhy 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 1970and 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.