http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x1842807482/Stark-air-quality-is-improving

Summary:
In Stark County, Ohio, has been considered an area with air pollution since 2007. The pollution came from diesel vehicles where the particles are so tiny that they are able to get deep inside the lungs causing a multitude of health issues. Now the air seems to be a lot fresher. The county wants to show that their air is cleaner. To prove that it is though they need to pass a few inspections given by the EPA. 1) the air quality levels have to be lower than it was in 2007. 2) The difference happens because of permanent solutions. And 3) they have to maintain the air quality for 10 years. Luckily Heidi Greismer, works for the EPA, states that there are going to be more changes regarding coal-burning power plants and diesel vehicles which will help with lowering the amount of air pollution. She also released a statement that said instead of just checking if the air is recovering but also if it is worsening.

Reaction:
I'm glad that Stark County was able to realize that the environment that they were living in was very unhealthy and make some changes. I believe that with them keeping cutting some of these pollution sources that the air quality would be back to normal in no time. I also like the idea that they are going to keep an eye out if the quality is either improving or worsening. I think more cities in the US should follow in there footsteps to create a healthy atmosphere.

Questions:
1) What else could the residents do to reduce air pollution?
2) How long do you think it will take for the air to return to normal? why?
3) Do you think that Hatboro- Horsham would be in the same position if it isn't already?

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park: Worst Air Pollution

Associated Press

The Associated PressMay 29, 2012 04:00 A

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/28/MNC61OOM6M.DTL

This shows the thick smog Sequoia National Park is known for.

Summary: This section of our conutry showcases many of the biggest species on Earth, such as the Sequoia Redwoods, but you can barely see them from a distance in this polluted park. This park should have amazing views of these plants and trees, even mountains and beautiful parts of California, but it has become the national park with the worst air pollution. When thinking of national parks, people often think of clean, naturistic images. However, the smog level here compares to urban and city areas, even that of Los Angeles. The air is so dangerous that those who visit it are warned ahead of time of the areas where hiking is not the safest. The park employees are also wanred, and even attend annual classes on the lung damage tha smog can cause. That's of course if employees even accepted the job after the government warned them of the hazards to their health while working here. Ozone causing this issue also affects a handful of other naitonal parks in the U.S. With the parks violation of the Ambient Air Quality standard 87 times last June-September season, action must be taken.

Reflection: You would never think that a national park would be so hazardous. You would think that emplyees of a place like this would be exposed to such a clean air, being in nature and in such a naturistic area. It's really shocking, but at least the government is aware of the situation, and safety precautions are being taken. I think more money and research should go into how to prevent smog from ozone so that we can enjoy what these parks have to offer in the future.


1) What can be done to prevent/treat smog caused by ozone?
2) Has anyone ever suffered health problems in national parks where this is an issue?
3) Does this affect the wildlife living there?
4) What other parks have this problem?

Air Pollution to Close to WPHS

http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/570551/Stout--Air-Pollution--Too-Close-to-WPHS.html?nav=510

Picture: This is a diagram of natural gas drilling.

Summary: Chesapeake Energy wants to build a well that will release harmful gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and benzene into the air right next to Wheeling Park High School. However, Ben Stout, father of WPHS students, and the Wheeling Jesuit University biology professor told the company to put its well somewhere else, instead of right next to the school. Natural gas drilling can have many harmful effects on the air and can release emissions that can harm human health. Also, since the fracking process uses so much sand, there likely will be silica in the air, which causes respiratory problems. This is why it is a major concern to have gas well built right near a school full of children. The Chesapeake Energy company is now trying to find a place to place their wells rather than right next to the school. 

Reaction: I am glad that Ben Stout did the right thing and stuck up for his beliefs and children's health. It is wrong of Chesapeake Energy to want to place a gas well right near a high school, and endanger the health of hundreds of kids. As stated in the article, gas wells release methane, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene into the air, which can be very toxic and bad for humans. Moving the Chesapeake Energy's well somewhere else was a great idea and I am proud that Stout did something about it. I know I wouldn't want gas wells near my school! 


Questions: 
1) Would you want a gas well next to your school? Explain.
2) What other problems does this well cause?
3) Do you agree with Stout's decision to try and move the location of the well? Explain.