Public Policy Issue: Particle Pollution in Chicago Metropolitan Area

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Background
Public policy
Steps of policy
Results
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The Chicago metropolitan area has been mentioned quite a number of times in American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2008, an annual report that grades the quality of the air across the different cities of the United States of America. However, regrettably, Chicago was caught on the wrong side of the findings of the report. As suggested as substantiated by various research organizations, both these forms of air pollution are also evenly pervasive across the country. (Murray, 17-24)

Background

Particle pollution, on the other hand, is a combination of soot and ash or other minuscule solids and liquid droplets floating in the atmospheric air near the earth’s surface. This form of pollution also referred to as particulate matter (PM), is comprised of several components, together with acids like nitrates and sulfates, organic compounds, metals, soil or even dust specks, and allergens like bits of pollen or agametes. The dimensional features of such particulate matter are the main cause for their hazardous potential for the causation of health-related problems. Minute particles of below 10 micrometers in thickness cause major difficulties, for the reason that they go deep into a person’s lungs, and some particles can even enter the bloodstream. Coming in contact with such particles can have an adverse effect on both the lungs as well as the heart. Larger-sized particles cause lesser problems, although they are potent enough to cause irritation in the eyes, nose, as well as throat. Hazardous minuscule particles are the “fine particles” like those present in smoke and haze that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter; and “coarse particles” like those originating from wind-dispersed dust that has diameters ranging from 2.5 to 10 micrometers. (Laser, 124-141) Individuals with heart or lung ailments, older grown-ups, and young children are considered to be most vulnerable to such pollution, particularly when they are physically on the go. Chronic exposures, like those experienced by populations residing for several years in regions which has high particle concentrations, have been linked with difficulties like abridged lung functioning and the contraction of persistent bronchitis and in some cases even untimely death. Short-range exposures to such particles, usually for some hours or days, can exacerbate lung ailments, leading to asthma attacks and severe bronchitis, and may also increase vulnerability to respiratory diseases. (Hall, 225)

Public policy

However, it is a common question that is often asked that are these simply the unavoidable dangers that go together with residing in a major metropolitan region. While probing into this question, the issue of transportation of pollution has to be considered. High concentrations of ozone particles found in the thinly-inhabited regions like the peak of the Great Smoky Mountains can be cited as an example. A number of the regions that were identified as the most atrocious air quality regions in the State of the Air report were in fact smaller towns and areas that seem to have industries disposing of soaring levels of emissions. Edward Doty, an environmental researcher working with the Region 5 facility of the EPA ascertains that Chicago is in equal status as compared with other major cities in the country. He cites that, “Any time you’ve got a large concentration of industry and public sources of emissions you’re going to have the potential for a violation of these standards”. (Peterson, 2008) And indeed, in keeping with findings of various research initiatives, Chicago is at present guilty of infringing several clauses of such standards. Even though it does not inflict any economic consequences, but experts are of the opinion that the authorities of the region must reflect on an air quality plan and institute measures for emission controls.

Steps of policy

As mentioned before, reduced air quality is particularly hazardous for young children and older adults, in addition to those individuals with respiratory ailments. However, a diminished air quality standard has the latent possibility to have an adverse effect on the entire Chicago population and thus emerges as one of the most severe and major concerns for society. Doctors at the pulmonary and critical care facilities affirm that Chicago has a high percentage of ailing individuals with complaints of asthma and bronchitis, and thus the air pollution is an explicit concern for the community. (Hendrix, 134-151)

One of the most efficient and minimal practices to keep away from air-pollution-oriented problems is to be aware and generate awareness about the air quality of the area. The federal administration has now initiated systems through which it posts present air quality indexes and projections online, which allow each individual with access to the Internet to facilitate easy decision making, founded on the current air quality. According to proponents of the initiative, it is a measure to raise awareness about protection from air pollution. If the pollution levels are indicated in the orange zone or more tending towards red, those days are predominantly unhealthy for vulnerable people it is suggested that people should stay indoors on such as days if possible, and minimally should try and limit outdoor physical activities. (Pax, 28-34)

Results

Emissions’ trading is a governmental measure initiated to deal with pollution by offering economic inducements for realizing reduced levels in the discharge of pollutants. A central authoritative outfit, typically a government or international bureau stipulates a limit on the quantity of a polluting substance that can be emitted. Corporations or other entities are supplied with emission permits and are obliged to possess a corresponding number of allowances which signify the right to release a certain amount. The total quantity of allowances cannot go beyond the limited value, restraining total emissions to a certain level. In the year 1997, the State of Illinois implemented a trading initiative for volatile organic compounds across the Chicago region, which was dubbed as the Emissions Reduction Market System. (Frenkel, 166)

Conclusion

Chicago city is also engaging itself with the widespread clean air movement. The Chicago Department of the Environment is an affiliate of the Partners for Clean Air, an alliance of Chicago commercial outfits, governmental bodies, and non-profit organizations that fosters air quality enhancements. The Green Pays on Green Days initiative is one of the organization’s most innovative and sincere programs. The initiative preaches that there exist various measures that individuals can act upon and contribute to the quality of air in the region. Traveling by public transit, avoiding the burning of household waste materials, preserving energy, and keeping off gas-powered lawnmowers are some of the recommendations offered by the initiative. Indeed, a problem of this magnitude is a serious threat to the communities based in Chicago. However, if certain measures are enacted by governmental bodies and if the citizens themselves pledge to further the cause, a solution can surely be reached.

Works Cited

Frenkel, Mike. Risk management: challenge and opportunity. LA: Springer, 2008.

Hall, Tim. Urban Geography. London, New York: Routledge, Francis Routledge, 2009.

Hendrix, Richard. ‘A Step towards Sustainability: The Case of Chicago’. International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, 42.2 (2009), pp. 134-151.

Laser, Mary. ‘Large-scale production, harvest and logistics’. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 3.2 (2009), 124-141.

Murray, Richard. ‘Benefits of Implementing Standards’. International Journal of Tourism Research, 71.3 (2009), pp. 17-24.

Pax, Henry. ‘Saving the Planet and Sustainability’. International Journal of Tourism Research, 72.1 (2009), pp. 28-34.

Peterson, Erica. Take a breath. How bad is Chicago’s air quality? MEDILL NEWS SERVICE. 2008. Windy Citizen. Web.

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