First Name | Vita |
---|---|
Last Name | Miller |
Email Address | vmmil@charter.net |
Affiliation | |
Subject | Strengthen Air Quality Standards |
Comment | Please support the following landmark rule to strengthen state air standards and reduce air pollution from construction equipment,known technically as "In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicles." We have a historic opportunity to cut a major source of dangerous air pollution in California. I support the following statements and ask that you do the same by enacting these measures. My son and husband suffer from severe asthma and I am a nurse. I have seen the effects first- hand hundreds, if not thousands of times, how poor air quality affects so many by adding to their suffering and increasing health care costs. What a waste. Spend the money and time on improving air quality, not trying to reverse the effects of dirty air. -- Construction equipment is the second largest source of diesel pollution in the state, accounting for 20% of particulate matter (soot) and 16% of smog-forming Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). These pollutants are two of the biggest pollution hazards for public health in California and throughout the country. -- Exposure to smog can have serious effects on respiratory health. Inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract can cause shortness of breath, throat irritation, chest pains and coughing, and lead to asthma attacks, hospital admissions and emergency room visits. -- Particulate air pollution or soot can be inhaled and reach deep into the lungs. These tiny particulates can enter the circulatory system and damage blood vessels. Particulate pollution is associated with heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, asthma attacks, reduced lung function and bronchitis. -- These health impacts result in tens of thousands of premature deaths in the U.S. from heart and lung disease annually, as well as hospital admissions, emergency room visits, absences from school or work, and restricted activities related to asthma attacks. Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing. This new rule will: -- Prevent 4,000 premature deaths; -- Result in health benefits and reduced health care and hospital visits of $18 to $26 billion; -- Help bring the most polluted areas of the state, the Los Angeles/Long Beach air basin and the San Joaquin Valley, into attainment with federal air quality standards; and -- By 2020, prevent 48 tons per day of NOx and 5 tons per day of particulate air pollution from entering our air. Please improve these air quality standards as soon as possible. Thank You. |
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Original File Name | |
Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2007-05-10 15:16:50 |
If you have any questions or comments please contact Clerk of the Board at (916) 322-5594.