Smoke+From+Wildfires+Can+Tip+Air+Quality+to+Unhealthy+Levels

Smoke From Wildfires Can Tip Air Quality Unhealthy Levels Science Daily January 11, 2018 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180109112415.htm https://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires/index.html

Wildfires are causing harm to inhabitants near them. The smoke plumes from fires have been known to cause lots of damage to the air quality. Recently, Alexandra Larson from NC State conducted a study about the effect wildfire smoke has on air quality. Larson and her colleagues found that on days with plumes, ozone concentrations increased by about 11.1%. Ozone levels were especially high over Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas. One of the most surprising things that came out of this study is the fact that when 6-7% of days are filled with plumes, 16% of days were deemed unhealthy. Larson believes that this is a major concern because of the large population that could be impacted. Air pollution in urban cities is already higher than they should be, making an increase in ozone levels an issue.
 * Summary**

The air pollution caused by smoke from wildfires can be extremely harmful to humans and other animals. Inhaling ozone can cause coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath. Ozone can also lead to asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and heart diseases. Another effect is the reduction of resistance to colds and pneumonia (Miller 488). Ozone can also damage leaves of plants and trees. The waxy coating can be broken down by chronic exposure which makes the plant more prone to water loss, pests, drought, and frost (Miller 489).
 * Relation to Class**

In my opinion, this is an important issue that should receive more attention. There are many negative effects of air pollution caused by wildfires. Not only are humans in the area affected, but plants and other animals are affected as well. Ozone levels that are as high as the ones measured by Alexandra Larson are extremely unhealthy. Actions should be taken to help organisms living in cities affected by wildfire smoke.
 * Opinion**

The Clean Air Acts passed in 1970, 1977, and 1990 created regulations that have to be followed by states. Because of this act, the EPA had to come up with national ambient air quality standards for various pollutants including ozone. The standard establishes the maximum allowable level for each pollutant. Smoke from wildfires may push the amount of ozone above the level deemed safe and acceptable for health by the EPA.
 * Law**