The Clean Air Act & Its Impact on Air Quality Today
Emissions play a significant role in environmental and human health. Signed in 1970 under President Richard Nixon, the Clean Air Act was an essential step toward creating a cleaner, healthier air. This article will discuss the impact of this legislative milestone.
On December 31, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Clean Air Act (CAA). The CAA, termed by many as landmark legislation, aimed to nurture the growth of the American economy while improving human and environmental health. Twenty years after its passing, the CAA has prevented an estimated 200,000 premature fatalities and nearly 700,000 incidences of chronic bronchitis.
Significance of the CAA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. agency tasked with setting and enforcing pollution standards nationally. The passing of the CAA gave the EPA the necessary power to take productive action against environmental pollution. Under the CAA, the EPA offers guidelines on specific air pollutants by setting the limits on the permissible levels within the United States. These limits include emissions from different sources, including steel mills, chemical manufacturing plants, and utility companies.
The 1990 Amendments
In 1990, the Clean Air Act, (CAA) was revised, amended, and passed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The amendments, signed on November 15, 1990, had immense bipartisan support and paved the way for solving significant threats facing the environment. More specifically, the amendments aimed to curb four existential threats to the health of the American population: urban air pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and toxic air emissions. Additionally, the amendments established a program to issue national operating permits to strengthen the law’s implementation.
Impact of the CAA on Lung Health
Since its legislation, the CAA has had monumental positive impacts on people’s lung health. The reduction in total emissions has led to considerable improvements in air quality. In the 27 years between 1990 and 2017, national levels of air pollutants have improved by 88 percent for sulfur dioxide, 80 percent for lead, 77 percent for carbon monoxide, and 22 percent for ozone. Fine and coarse particle concentrations have also improved by 40 and 34 percent, respectively.
These improvements in air quality have allowed many country areas to meet the established quality standards. For instance, all 41 regions with unhealthy carbon monoxide levels in 1991 have now completed national-standard air quality levels. These levels are largely due to the CAA emission standards for new vehicles that ensure a much cleaner fleet. Because of the CAA, Americans now breathe less pollution and face fewer risks of adverse lung health complications and premature deaths.
Impact of the CAA on Public Health
According to a peer-reviewed study published by the EPA in March 2011, the 1990 CAA amendments have achieved great public health benefits. According to different parameters examined in the study, the overall findings showed people have better life quality. Issues such as asthma exacerbations, E.R. visits, restricted activity days, and hospital admissions have decreased significantly. As the program continues to grow, the full effects of the program are set to take full effect and bear more fruit.
Impact of the CAA on Environmental Health
It’s not just people who are reaping the benefits of the CAA. The environment has also witnessed a significant improvement. Air pollution impacts plants and deteriorates soil nutrients that are critical in sustaining ecosystems. Aquatic ecosystems also suffer from air pollutants as nitrogen enrichment in coastal areas results in oxygen depletion, directly harming marine species. Conversely, lower air pollution levels benefit multiple ecosystems, allowing them to flourish in their natural habitats.
The Financial Impact of the CAA
Cleaner air translates to fewer air-pollution-linked illnesses. In turn, the government spends less on medical treatments. Better lung health also means lower absenteeism among workers. These two improvements account alone sufficiently offset the expenses for pollution control. In ensuring better overall human health, the CAA directly ensures better economic health.
The Clean Air Act (CAA) Successes
The Clean Air Act has been a lifesaver in literal terms. Since its inception 50 years ago, its impact has been undeniable. In many ways, the CAA acted as the catalyst for improving people’s quality of life. It goes to show the effects sound environmental policies can have on society. However, even with the successes of the CAA, there is still much more that needs to be done to continue to breathe safe and healthy air.
Get Your Indoor Air Quality Assessment Today
The goal of Phase Associates is to offer safe, healthy and effective indoor air quality testing, sampling, surveys, assessments and monitoring. We evaluate air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems, find the sources of irritants, monitor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fumes and dust, take microbial contaminant samples to find bacteria, mold and, fungus and more. We also test if and where the outdoor air is the source of the problem. Lastly, we provide a solution and recommendations for the removal and remediation of all contaminants.
Contact us to learn more about our indoor air quality testing services in NJ, NY, PA, CT, and Delaware. We do service other states, so if your state is not here, still contact us.
Complete Guide to Radon and the Importance of a NJ Licensed Radon Measurement Specialist
Did you know that radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the United States? Many are constantly wary of this mysterious gas. This begs the question of whether one should call up a radon specialist.
But what is radon gas? And why should you contact a radon measurement specialist (RMS)?
That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to learn more about what radon measurement specialists do and how they’re crucial for New Jersey residents.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas from decaying uranium in soils and rocks. Radon most commonly enters homes and buildings through cracks in its concrete foundation or other materials like wood.
Radon gas can build up in your home and business and lead to adverse health effects. In addition, it directly affects indoor air quality, leading to various health issues.
Since radon is a carcinogen, it’s commonly linked to lung cancer deaths. As such, homeowners and businesses must monitor radon gas presence.
What Is a Radon Measurement Specialist?
This is where a radon measurement specialist comes in. They’re those who’ve been trained and certified in radon testing. They know all the basics of radon and its effects on individuals.
They’re also experts at measuring and monitoring radon presence. So if you believe that there’s radon in your home or building, they have the proper equipment to accurately test the entire space.
Does New Jersey Require Radon Testing?
No legislation requires New Jersey residents to conduct radon testing. However, in New Jersey, it is highly recommended because the average radon levels are higher than the EPA recommended level of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L).
Conducting radon testing in New Jersey requires specific certification. It is illegal to conduct a radon test yourself in New Jersey. A certified individual must complete a test if you need one to be done.
Why Radon Measurement Testing is Vital in NJ
Due to the elevated radon levels throughout New Jersey and the change of seasons, a radon inspection should be performed twice a year because temperature variations can alter the radon levels. Also, if you are purchasing a new home or commercial building, always make sure to have a radon test done. If you have done a renovation and have made significant changes to the structure of the building, this could affect the spread of radon.
Some counties in New Jersey have greater radon concentrations than other counties. For example, Morris, Mercer, Somerset, Warren, Sussex and Monmouth counties have radon concentrations equal to or greater than 4 pCi/L. However, this does not mean that you are safe if you reside in another county. Counties such as Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Middlesex, Union, Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem can fall at the 4pCi/L levels mentioned and when the seasons change, these levels can decrease and increase above the EPA recommended limit of 4pCi/L.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Radon Measurement Specialist (RMS)
It is critical to hire a professional radon measurement specialist (RMS) in New Jersey. However, because radon is extremely dangerous and impossible to recognize, choosing the right certified technician with the right equipment is crucial.
Hiring a professional to do your radon testing provides peace of mind for you and your entire family. If you are a commercial building owner knowing your staff and customers are safe should be a top priority. A professional radon measurement technician will either make sure there are no traces of radon in your home or business or give the proper mitigation measures.
As radon gases are odorless and colorless, therefore, go unnoticed, it is better to hire a professional to put a plan in place to eliminate the potential for a health hazard.
Finding the Best Radon Measurement Technician in New Jersey
Finding an efficient and reliable radon measurement specialist (RMS) in New Jersey is critical for the safety of all those that share the space and to avoid adverse health issues. Use this guide to help you answer “what is radon gas” and understand why these professionals are so crucial.
Are you looking for efficient and reliable radon measurement services in New Jersey? Then you need Gary Schwartz, a licensed NJ RMS! Contact Phase Associates today, and we’ll get you started on a solution right away!
Livingston, New Jersey – July, 2021 – PHASE Associates, LLC (PHASE Associates), a leading provider of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) consulting, training and professional outsourcing services, has acquired assets of Atlantic Environmental, Incorporated (Atlantic Environmental). Atlantic Environmental is a Dover-based EHS consulting firm with expertise in EHS solutions. The former owner, Mr. Robert E. Sheriff, MS, CIH, CSP, retired and closed the business as of January 2021. Mr. Sheriff was highly respected in the aspects of environmental control, indoor air quality, and industrial hygiene in a wide variety of occupational areas.
“We are excited about this acquisition”, states Gary Schwartz, President, MS, CIH, CSP of PHASE Associates. “This acquisition is part of PHASE Associates’ growth strategy to further expand the company’s EHS service offerings and to extend our geographic reach in the surrounding states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, as well as across the United States.” Mr. Schwartz continues, “There are so many similarities with both companies in offering Environmental Health and Safety solutions that it seemed natural for us to acquire the assets of Atlantic Environmental. Their clients will be offered the same EHS consulting services and training and be managed with the same professionalism as they received while working with Atlantic Environmental.”
The overlap in EHS services includes but is not limited to the following:
Industrial Hygiene Surveys
Noise Surveys
Ventilation Surveys
Exposure Air Monitoring
Indoor Air Quality Testing
Respirator Fit Testing and Training
About PHASE Associates
PHASE Associates, LLC, (PHASE Associates) provides Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) consulting, training and professional outsourcing services to meet a wide range of occupational health and safety challenges. Our professionals include but are not limited to board accredited Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) and Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs). With over 24 years of proven reliability, we are experts in all aspects of Industrial Hygiene, Indoor Air Quality, EHS and OSHA Compliance Safety and Training, Safety and Health Programs, and General and Construction Safety.
