Mercer County New Jersey received a big fat “F” in Ozone air pollution and a “C” for particle pollution in the American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report: 2012.
Ozone and particle pollution are two of the most widespread and dangerous air pollutants. The pollutants come from many sources; a major one being vehicle exhaust. Exhaust contains particulate matter and the precursors for ozone (Nitrogen Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) that when combined with sunlight create Ozone).
Why do we care that Mercer County received a failing grade for Air Pollution?
When you breathe in high levels of ozone it is like getting sunburn on your lungs. Also, constantly breathing particle pollution can lead to early death, heart attacks, strokes, and severe asthma attacks that require a hospital visit. Children, the elderly and sensitive populations like those with asthma are especially susceptible to poor air quality.
Everyone can make a difference. Across the United States, 127 million people live in counties that received failing grades for either Ozone or Particle Pollution. Each action like carpooling, riding a bike or using transit to get to work instead of driving alone will help decrease air pollution.
For information on how you can use an alternate form of commuting instead of driving alone please contact GMTMA.