WASHINGTON (CN) - Despite drastic cuts in air pollution, more than 40 percent of Americans still live in areas with unacceptable air quality, according toanEnvironmental Protection Agency reportreleasedon Wednesday.
Over the last three decades, the levels of core pollutants in the U.S. have been cut in half despite a 34 percent growth in population size, a 90 percent increase in miles driven, and a 30 percent boost in energy use. But the improvements -- credited to nation-wide regulations on cars and other industries -- still leave 127 million Americans in areas that fall short of federal standards for levels of lead, sulfur dioxide, particle pollution and ground-level ozone, according to the EPA's report entitled "Our Nation's Air Status and Trends Through 2008."
The Obama Administration has pressed for better airquality with an executive order last year requiringan increase in fuel efficiencyfrom the current 25 miles per gallon to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. Pollutants from internal combustion engines and other sourcescontribute to diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular problems and permanent lung damage. Sulfur dioxide emissions alone are estimated to kill more than 24,000 Americans a year. National levels of lead fell by 92 percent over the last three decades. Air also saw an 80 percent cut in carbon monoxide levels, a 70 percent cut to sulfur dioxide levels, a 46 percent decline in nitrogen dioxide levels, and a 25 percent fall in ground-level ozone levels. Particulate matter fell by nearly 20 percent over an eight-year period, said the EPA's Wednesday statement on air trends. As a result of the cuts, nitrogen monoxide and carbon monoxide levels throughout the country now satisfy federal standards.
Be in the know about Indoor Air Quality.
Dusty, dirty homes at any temperature can mean discomfort. The air in today's tightly-sealed, well-insulated homes can become stale as the same indoor air is circulated and re-circulated. In fact, indoor air quality is among the Environmental Protection Agency's top 3 health concerns. The agency reports that with dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, skin flakes, chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and more, the air inside your home can be 2-5 times dirtier than the air outside.
Although we usually can't see them, air pollutants are all around us, already inside our homes, and waiting to come in from outside. From our yards to our kitchens, dangerous air pollutants threaten our home air quality. Plus, each season brings its own dangers, from mold in the fall and winter to pollens and high humidity in the spring and summer.
Fortunately, Bryant offers a wide range of dependable air quality solutions, including humidifiers, ventilators, UV lamps, air purifiers, and electronic air cleaners that together can eliminate up to 99.9% of the pollutants threatening your home's health.
Learn more about how the pollutants in and around our homes affect our indoor air quality and what you can do to improve yours.
Let's Clear the Air
But improving indoor air
quality doesn't stop with just having the right pro
ducts. When
selecting your dealer, look for the Bryant Healthy Air Specialist
designation. Bryant Healthy Air Specialists have completed a course and
passed a comprehensive test covering a wide variety of Indoor Air
Quailty topics including:
- The importance of indoor air quailty
- Types of indoor air quality problems
- Identifying the right solution for each type of problem
- Limitations of portable/room purification devices
- Principles of air filtration
- Industry standards for filtration and ventilation
- Indoor air quality technologies
- Bryant's collection of IAQ products
And because not all IAQ products are created equal, Bryant dealers
understand the benefits of using Bryant IAQ products and will explain
the differences of various technologies so that you can make an
informed decision. Let Endless Air's qualified staff educate you and your family about indoor air quality.
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