Trouble breathing?
Maryland ranks 11th among the most polluted states, according to a report card put out by the American Lung Association?s “State of the Air: 2007.”
“Maryland has always been one of the higher-ranked states in terms of air pollution,” said Stephen Peregoy, president and Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of Maryland. “There are signs we are progressing, but the air as it is certainly is not safe.”
Most parts of Maryland suffered worsening levels of particle pollution, as did most areas east of the Mississippi River, but the state measured modest improvements in ozone (smog) since last year, according to the report.
Peregoy cited Maryland legislation limiting airborne pollutants, passed last year, and a Clean Car bill passed this year as steps in the right direction against bad air. Both bills take effect in 2010.
Carroll and Montgomery counties received a D, and Baltimore County remained steady at an F, according to the report. Harford and Prince George?s counties earned D grades for soot pollution, while Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City received an F.
“Our improved ozone grades in some counties are certainly good news, but the increased particle pollution is a particularly troubling trend,” Peregoy said. “As a region, we certainly still have a long way to go to have air that is safe for everyone to breathe. Science clearly shows that air pollution is dangerous ? even deadly ? and needs to be curbed drastically.”
While air pollution is unsafe for all, Peregoy said, some people are at increased risk. The report tracked at-risk groups including people with asthma, the elderly and minors, people with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and anyone with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
The report card is a useful tool in advocating tougher laws against pollution, said Michael Trush, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Center in Urban Environmental Health. “It?s very informative,” he said. “It tells us we have to do something. It?s a valuable and reputable report.”
