Merced’s air best in Valley, but still unhealthy, report says
Merced was the only county in the Valley to receive a passing grade on the amount of airborne particles spewed by highway traffic, diesel trucks, farm equipment and fireplaces, according to the annual State of the Air 2016 study released Wednesday by the American Lung Association.
The county received a particle concentration score of 11.7, which was the best the county has received, and just within the national standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter.
Particle pollution is anything from dust, smoke and soot that is small enough to be inhaled without notice, that can possibly make its way to the bloodstream. Particle pollutants are found more excessively in the winter because of woodsmoke, diesel from trucks and agricultural systems.
“Air pollution definitely and significantly play a role in all respiratory conditions,” said Dr. Mohan Reddy of Central Valley Allergy and Asthma Medical Association.
The northern counties, including Merced, generally perform a little better than other parts of the Valley, in large part because there are fewer people.
“When you reduce the number of people you reduce cars and the number of factors that contribute to pollution,” said Heather Heinks, communications manager for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
Heinks said the numbers in the report should be taken with “a grain of salt.”
The national standard used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not take into consideration all the factors that plague communities like those in the Valley.
Valley residents suffer with stagnant air and climate change that traps pollution close to the ground. A lack of rain and wind allow pollutants to linger in the same place for days at a time, causing higher health risks.
Cars, trucks and diesel are responsible for about 80 percent of the Valley’s pollution, according to Heinks.
“Any lung disease can be triggered or worsened by air pollution,” said Dr. Sunit Patel of Merced Lung and Sleep Specialists.
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All other counties in the Valley received failing grades, for an overall average of 14. Madera County scored at 15.9; Fresno reported 15.4; and Stanislaus came in at 14.
According to the report, California has the worst air in the nation.
The Fresno Bee contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Merced’s air best in Valley, but still unhealthy, report says."