Our previous oil spill air quality posts have focused on pollutants that are found in crude oil and become airborne when the oil comes into contact with the air such as, hydrogen sulfide, benzene and naphthalene. However, activities to clean-up the oil spill can also have air quality impacts that can be hazardous to human health. Burning oil creates particle pollution (particulate matter), known as PM-10 or PM-2.5 depending on its size, that can cause health problems for clean-up workers or residents who are downwind of burn areas. Particulates can make the air seem smoky or hazy but may also be present at hazardous levels even when the air appears clear. EPA’s monitoring of particulates near urban areas along the Gulf Coast has mainly found levels typical for this time of year. Elevated levels have been measured along the coastline, particularly in Louisiana, which could be harmful - especially for vulnerable populations.
Particles, smaller in diameter than a human hair, can be breathed deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This can damage the lungs and the ability of blood to circulate in the body causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. People with respiratory or heart disease (such as asthma or congestive heart failure), children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Numerous studies have linked exposure to elevated levels of particle matter to increases in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
The EPA is monitoring for particulate matter along the impacted areas of the Gulf Coast. In Louisiana, 1 hour PM-10 and 24hr PM-2.5 monitoring is taking place at fixed monitoring stations in Chalmette, Grand Isle, and Venice. Daily average readings of PM-10 from these monitoring stations are available on the EPA website. In Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, mobile monitoring of 1 hour PM-10 is taking place along the coast. Up to date hourly levels of PM-2.5 are also available from EPA’s AIRNow monitoring network which has coastal sites mainly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Since the oil spill began, EPA has reported that PM levels along the gulf coast have, at times, been at levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Although EPA’s standard for unhealthy air is currently a daily average of 150 ug/m3 for PM-10 and 35 ug/m3 for PM-2.5, studies have found significant health impacts at lower levels and for shorter periods. For longer term exposures, EPA’s standard for PM-2.5 is 15 ug/m3 averaged over a year.
If the air is noticeably smoky, or if the levels of particulate matter are high on the EPA website, it’s important to avoid any strenuous activities outdoors. For people with heart or lung disease, children, or the elderly: consider staying indoors in an air-conditioned room, and change the air-conditioner filter to make sure it is maximally effective.
To learn more about what EPA’s monitoring is finding, we took a closer look at EPA’s PM-10 and PM-2.5 data from the end of April through the first week in July and here’s what we found. It’s important to note that there are other sources in these areas that can cause elevated levels of PM-10 and PM-2.5 such as, vehicular and boat traffic, industrial sources, and weather conditions that trap regional pollution.
Louisiana
Near Chalmette
- The daily average PM-10 levels ranged from 3.6 to 91.6 ug/m3 with an average of 33.8 ug/m3 and none of the daily averages exceeded the EPA standard.
- Daily peaks of PM-10 exceeded the EPA standard on 8 days at 2 monitoring stations. The highest peak reported was 342.6 ug/m3.
- Daily average PM-2.5 ranged from 0.3 to 33.4 ug/m3 with an average of 14.5 ug/m3 and none of the daily averages exceed the daily EPA standard.
- The monitoring method for PM-2.5 doesn’t give information on daily peaks.
On Grand Isle
- The daily average levels ranged from 12.8 to 228.6 ug/m3 with an average of 38.0 ug/m3 and one station exceeded the EPA standard on June 29, 2010.
- Daily peaks exceeded the EPA standard on 12 days at 2 monitoring stations. The highest peak reported was 491.0 ug/m3.
- Daily average PM-2.5 ranged from 5.3 to 48.9 ug/m3 with an average of 14.8 ug/m3 and one station exceeded the daily EPA standard on June 7th, 12th, and 14th 2010.
- The monitoring method for PM-2.5 doesn’t give information on daily peaks.
In the Venice area
- The daily average levels ranged from 5.5 to 180.6 ug/m3 with an average of 50.5 ug/m3 and one station exceeded the EPA standard on May 1, 2010.
- Daily peaks exceeded the EPA standard on 36 days at 3 monitoring stations. The highest peak reported was 542.7 ug/m3.
- Daily average PM-2.5 ranged from 0.6 to 48.4 ug/m3 with an average of 15.8 ug/m3 and three monitoring stations exceeded the daily EPA standard on May 1st 2010.
- The monitoring method for PM-2.5 doesn’t give information on daily peaks.
Alabama, Mississippi and Florida
- Because the PM-10 monitoring is not taking place at fixed stations, daily averages cannot be calculated.
- None of the daily peaks measured along the coast exceeded the EPA standard.
- The highest peaks measured are as follows:
- Alabama – 123.2 ug/m3
- Mississippi – 115.4 ug/m3
- Florida – 118.1 ug/m3
- Check- out EPA’s AIRNow monitoring network for up to date hourly measurements of PM-2.5 along the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida coast.