Public shows increased interest in air quality
April 5, 2009 – 9:45 PM
By KATHIE BASSETT
A survey conducted last fall by the American Lung Association shows heightened awareness among bi-state area residents of the effects of air pollution.
The survey asked people their opinions on air quality-related topics such as awareness of poor air quality days, sources of air quality information, and suggestions on improving air quality, said Susannah Fuchs, director of environmental health for ALA and spokesperson for the partnership.
Residents from eight counties responded to the questionnaire.
“We wanted to get a sense of the awareness of the issues across the St. Louis and Metro East area,” she said. “This year we’ve seen more of a connection between awareness and action than there used to be. People were not always willing to take actual steps before – they are much more willing now.”
There was a 7 percent increase over last year’s respondents who indicated that they felt poor air quality was a serious problem. Also found were increased exposure to daily air quality information along with a greater awareness of terms and actions relating to pollution prevention.
As people become more concerned with going “green,” bi-state area residents have become more familiar with many small changes that they can make to have a positive impact. These include switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, using recyclable grocery bags, maintaining air pressure in car tires, and avoiding mowing the lawn on poor air quality days.
According to the survey, businesses are important allies in supporting clean air initiatives.
“There is a growing community of businesses and industries that are focused on air quality issues,” said Laurel Kroack, bureau chief for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Springfield. “Businesses are looking at ways of reducing emissions by promoting ride-sharing programs.”
By reducing traffic congestion through ride-sharing programs, air quality is improved, Kroack said.
“Madison County RideFinders has had a huge impact,” Fuchs said. “I would have to say that they shine in terms of promoting something that individuals can do to help air quality.”
In addition to helping the environment, there is an added benefit of significant cost savings for consumers in commuting savings. More than $33 million in savings has accrued to participants in the program, said Joe Wright, director of RideFinders.
Madison County Transit’s RideFinders program operates in eight counties: Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, St. Charles, Franklin, Jefferson, and St. Louis city and county. RideFinders helps people that work in these counties form carpools or vanpools through a free ridematching service.
RideFinders has had a significant impact by eliminating over 2 million pounds of air pollution per year while reducing more than 65 million miles driven in the same period, Wright said.
With the reduction in bus and Metrolink service in St. Louis County, Wright hopes to expand the RideFinders program to help people with alternate transportation.
RideFinders has more than 3,500 registered carpools and approximately 95 vanpools in service.
During the summer months, RideFinders offers on-site Clean Air Fairs for hundreds of businesses to encourage greater involvement.
“Air quality is becoming a bigger and bigger concern,” Wright said. “We get more activity during the air quality forecasting season because people can feel the difference in the air.”
During the summer months, a combination of strong sunlight and hot temperatures causes ozone pollution to increase. With warmer weather approaching, the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership will resume making ozone forecasts in May 2009.
For more information on air quality awareness, visit the Partnership’s Web site at www.cleanair-stlouis.com.
kathie.bassett@gmail.com
