For those who are unfamiliar, 35-55 is the "unsafe for sensitive people" (ie old folks, babies, asthma sufferers). We are blowing right on past the top of that range (50% above it!) to "might as well just take up smoking unfiltered cigarettes" and "go **** yourselves, kids with asthma"
And yes, I know that geography makes things tough here. I own a car too, but you know what? I refuse to drive it except in an emergency when there's an inversion. Ride your bike, walk, carpool, take Trax...it's not like we have no control at all over the problem.
If the winter stays like this, I can tell you that we'll be moving away in 2013, with no regrets. We knew if could be bad but wow, the reality is much worse than I imagined.
11 comments:
I think a big part of the problem is that you life in a red state, one which is among the most anti-environmental there is.
An important observation here, Walt.
I like in a city with very high air quality, and yet I too get choked out on the streets.
Nasty devices, automobiles.
You should check out the Respro urban commuting mask: http://www.respro.com/products/urban-commuting/cycling/city_mask/
No good, that only gets the PM10s. PM2.5s are the nasty ones. You need a full HEPA filter.
Cool mask, though. Looks way more comfy than mine.
Boulder misses you.
Same website...but if you have to wear it, and can move some place else that's awesome in the other ways, do so.
http://www.respro.com/products/sports-leisure/street-cycling/sportsta_mask/
cheaper, and gets PM2.5:
http://icanbreathe.com/favorite.htm
have them at the shop...
Not quite as bad as up here in Logan. I do a lot of AQ research, in cooperation with UDAQ and also EPA-R8. Utah has a reputation for being, shall we say, "strategic" in their policies.
SL County isn't quite as bad as up here in Logan.
http://www.airquality.utah.gov/aqp/trend_charts/getData.php?id=cache
Much of my work involves Utah DAQ and EPA-R8. The scientists/engineers that work for the DAQ are honest, practical and a good bunch of people who care about the air we breath. The same is largely true of the people I know at the R8 headquarters in Denver. Both groups have the unfortunate task of enforcing the legal policy. The policies are set by politicians. And Utah politicians have a national reputation for being, shall we say, "strategic".
Quit complaining. I heard thru a friend that intense training in Mexico city was Lance's real secret weapon.
Great stuff, guys. Thanks for the links and ideas.
Guarantee the air quality here in Mexico City is better than the Wasatch Front even though we have over ten times the population.
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