On early Wednesday, 13 ON YOUR SIDE reported that The American Lung Association listed Grand Rapids as having the 27th poorest air quality nationwide. Since then, we have had the opportunity to discuss with specialists from environmental and health sectors the reasons behind the city’s poor rating and potential actions to address this issue.
"It’s not entirely unexpected. We’re seeing long-term patterns, particularly noticeable near Grand Rapids. On the positive side, efforts towards finding solutions are underway. However, the downside is that all our actions are being compounded by the impacts of shifting climatic conditions," stated Nate Rauh-Bieri, who leads initiatives at Just Air Solutions.
Ozone forms when heat combines with pollutants at ground level. These pollutants often come from vehicle exhausts or industrial emissions. Any substance in the air that reacts with heat and sunlight can generate ozone, which was highlighted as a specific issue for Grand Rapids in this report. Additionally, there’s particulate matter pollution. Although Grand Rapids has shown improvement over recent decades, concerns have risen again recently due to increased wildfire smoke.
Kezia Ofosu Atta serves as the director of advocacy for the American Lung Association, and she states that this kind of air pollution has numerous detrimental impacts on public health.
"There are too many residents in Grand Rapids enduring unhealthily high levels of ozone and particulate matter contamination. Such air pollution triggers asthma attacks in children, renders outdoor workers ill and incapable of working, and contributes to lower birth weights in infants," she stated.
Things such as wildfire smoke drifting into West Michigan from various parts of the nation might be beyond local residents' influence; however, specialists inform us that there are measures individuals can take to decrease pollution locally.
"Significantly pushing for changes at the local level and altering how our cities are structured is crucial. For instance, boosting the tree canopy can be an excellent method to assist in cooling down urban areas," Rauh-Bieri stated.
Another suggestion is for individuals to cut down on using gasoline for transportation or lawn tools, particularly on ozone alert days, especially when temperatures soar.
Rauh-Bieri emphasized that it's crucial for individuals to look after their well-being during clean air action days.
"When the air contains higher levels of particles, it leads to increased ozone formation. Be mindful of this and consider reducing outdoor activities. It may also help to use an air purifier indoors. Keep an eye on your neighbors, particularly those who might have difficulties, especially when dealing with ozone and particle pollution. These are actions anyone can take," he stated.