May is Clean Air Month. Clean air is important to body's overall health. Polluted air can be especially hazardous for those with asthma or other breathing issues. Some of the health benefits that are possible with clean air include:
healthy lungs
improved mental health
fewer respiratory symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers
stronger immune system
increased energy
lower blood pressure and heart rate
Clean Air Month is an opportunity to educate the public about air pollution and generate awareness on way to improve the air we breathe. It is a chance to celebrate the improvements that have been made since the campaign evolved from the one-week observance it was at its introduction in 1972 by the American Lung Association.
The Clean Air Act of 1970
This month of awareness spawned from the American Lung Association wanting to raise awareness of the Clean Air Act of 1970. This legislation authorized the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit emissions from both stationary and mobile sources. Around this same time, the National Environmental Policy Act was passed, leading to the establishment of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Sources of Air Pollution
Of course, there are many sources of air pollution. According to the National Park Service, there are four main types:
Mobile: includes cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains; these create more than half of all air pollution in the US
Stationary: includes power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories
Area: includes agricultural areas, cities, and wood-burning fireplaces
Natural: includes wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes
You might ask yourself, "How do I cut back on air pollution?" STEP has a few suggestions:
use public transport or carpool when you are able
turn off the lights when they are not in use
recycle and reuse
STEP recognizes the need for all workers to also have the opportunity for clean air as they work.
That’s why we offer accurate OSHA and NFPA compliant respirator fit testing in 3-5 minutes. The Quantifit2 Respirator Fit Testing system directly measures respirator leakage using only air as the challenge agent. The leak rate is precisely measured by determining the amount of air that leaks into the respirator during the fit test. Contact us today to schedule your annual respirator fit testing!
Resources
Romano, S. (2021 May 1). Clean Air Month Should Matter to You: Here’s Why. IAQ Works. https://iaq.works/indoor-air/clean-air-month-should-matter-to-you-heres-why/
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021 Dec 7). Evolution of the Clean Air Act. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/evolution-clean-air-act#:~:text=The%20enactment%20of%20the%20Clean,industrial)%20sources%20and%20mobile%20sources.
National Parks Service. (n.d.). Where Does Air Pollution Come From? https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/sources.htm
AQI. (2017 Sep 8). 10 best Ways to Reduce Air Pollution. https://www.aqi.in/blog/10-best-ways-to-reduce-air-pollution/