Monday

Breathing in Houston Can be Dangerous


If you live in the Houston area, playing outside could be damaging to your health. Though exaggerated, the statement holds some truth as Houston’s overall air quality remains among the nation’s worst. When you’re outdoors in Houston, beware of inhaling some of the toxins and pollutants that you may be taking in.

Two of the most harmful air pollutants present in the Houston area are butadiene (1,3, butadiene) and benzene. Butadiene, which is produced from burning fuels, can cause nausea, skin irritation and fatigue. The exposure to butadiene can also cause leukemia; children are especially at risk for leukemia after exposure to the pollutant.
Be aware of that the emissions from vehicular combustion and industrial processes in the Houston area release benzene.

The hazardous pollutant can cause dizziness and irritation to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. Long-term chronic exposure to benzene can also lead to blood disorders and cancer.
Ozone, also known as smog has also been an issue in Houston’s air quality. Produced by vehicles and industry businesses, it is known to cause respiratory problems, stunt lung development, and can aggravate existing conditions of the lungs. The city is working to improve the issue of ozone through the Clean Air Act and regulatory monitors that have preliminary design values which comply with the 8-hour, 84 ppb standard.

Though the city is working to improve the air quality, there is still room for improvement. There remains a lot of work to be done to clean Houston’s air. For more information on air quality, visit the site for the Center of Houston’s Future at www.centerforhoustonsfuture.org.

By Production Assistant: Angel Hadnott






What I learned this week:

If I can’t understand what a person is going through. I try to walk in their shoes and quit pointing fingers.

What I am grateful for:

I live in a country where there is separation of church and state.~ Patricia Gras
~

Latina Voices: Smart Talk and Living Smart with Patricia Gras are currently on hiatus due to our membership drive. We will be back Sept. 26!





Disclosure: The views shared in this article do not reflect the view at HoustonPBS.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for the insight on Houston Air quality. I will be extra careful and take this into consideration everytime.