Air Quality & Safety

AIR QUALITY

It is something that is forever around us. All humans need it to survive. All humans consume it. We share it with other living beings such as mammals. It is something that kills other living species if they consume it. It can be toxic or clean. Above all, it is something most individuals on this planet take for granted because the mechanism in which we use it is more involuntary than it is voluntary. Guessed what it is yet? (if the title of the blog didn't give it away already!). The "it" is air. 

Our external environment is not the only factor that impacts our air quality. The choices we make and how we treat the environment around us can negatively impact the quality of our air. 

Let's look at a few different constructs of how air quality is analyzed, the implications on the environment and human health. 

AIR QUALITY HEALTH CONCERNS

The Air Quality Index (AQI), is one main mechanism researchers use to analyze the levels of air quality and how to quantify potential toxicity. Additionally, these following six levels provide a recommendation as to what is "acceptable" for human health and when to be aware of negative health effects of exposure:

• Good- this level is considered healthy and poses little or no risk in relation to air pollution.
• Moderate- this level is deemed acceptable. The air quality may have some air pollutants and cause small groups health problems.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups- the general public is often not effected within this level. However, groups of individuals that may have a heightened sensitivity to air pollutants has a risk of experiencing adverse health effects. 
• Unhealthy- this level begins to effect everyone. Sensitive groups can experience more profound negative health responses.
• Very Unhealthy- entire population is likely to be effected and considered in a class of emergency response.
• Hazardous- this level is a serious health alert and everyone is likely to experience serious health effects.

AIR QUALITY INDEX FORECASTS

For the state of Ohio, five major cities are listed within the Air Quality Index Forecasts. We will give a brief overview of each. 

• Cleveland/Akron/Lorrain- Good-Moderate range 40's-60's
• Youngstown- Moderate-Good (50-55) not much deviation, small range
• Cincinnati- Good-Moderate (40's as the low, and 60 as the high range)
• Dayton- Good-Moderate (40-53 for ozone and pollutant)
• Columbus- Good* (all green levels. 41-50)

STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SIP)

A state implementation plan, also known as SIP, is a collection of regulations that a state will utilize to enforce and take action on to clean polluted areas. This guides state health and other officials to promote proactiveness and support the Clean Air Act. 

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)

These standards, enabled by the EPA, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, apply to the outdoor air (and quality) throughout the country. 

SIP STANDARDS (OZONE)

• Ozone- 2015's report= 0.070ppm (parts per million)
• Lead- 2008 revision= 0.15ug/m3
• Nitrogen Dioxide- 2010 revision= 100ppb (parts per billion)
• Sulfur Dioxide- 2010= 75ppb (parts per billion)
• PM 2.5- 2012 annual report= 12.0 ug/m3

OHIO EPA

At the state level, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working diligently to ensure the protection and safety of not only the external environment around us, but education on what we can do to change our internal environment as well. Safety regulations, health initiatives, and awareness are all important tools to better enhance our health as it pertains to air quality and safety. 

Zika Virus: Are you safe?

The term "Zika Virus" is probably not completely foreign to you, as most have by now at least heard of this epidemic through various forms of media, news reports, or social media outlets. But past the flashy glamour of news reports and occasional google searches, what do you really know about the Zika Virus? Does it even matter or concern you? Let's take a deeper dive into what the virus is, and how, if at all, it may be of more concern than you might think.

WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS

As defined by the Mayo Clinic's headquarters campus in Rochester Minnesota, the zika virus is: a mosquito-borne viral infection, with conflicting cases of symptomologies. Meaning, some reported cases there will be some notable symptoms, while others infected, may not even know they have the virus. 

WHERE IS ZIKA FOUND

Depending on where you reside in the world, you are more likely at risk than others. However the zika virus can be found worldwide. The greatest prevalence of the virus is located in regions such as: South and Central Americas (e.g., Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador), Pacific Islands, Mexico, Africa and the United States.

HOW DO WE GET IT

Individuals become infected with the Zika Virus by two main ways: 1) being in contact and through the bite of a mosquito-carrier of the virus (i.e. usually the Aedes species). 2) the other way is through sexual transmission with a Zika virus infected individual. A simple blood or urine test can confirm diagnosis. Now, as above mentioned, if some individuals show symptoms but others do not, how would one know if they have been infected with the virus?

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The Zika Virus impacts individuals in a different way than most major viruses within a host body. The challenge medical professionals face with Zika virus infections is that the most severe signs and symptoms do not develop within the host, as much as a fetus. 

PREGNANCY IMPLICATIONS

For example, the mother may not display any symptoms. However, if she becomes pregnant and delivers a baby while being infected, her baby can result in severe deformities and health concerns from her transmission of the Zika virus in utero. One major example, is the link of microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Future concerns of neurological damage is currently being addressed in the medical field. 

PREVENTIONS FOR ZIKA VIRUS

Several forms of prevention can be used to address the transmission of Zika and how to avoid it. 

• Avoid traveling to countries where Zika is actively circulating
• Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellant 
• Use condoms and dental dams if actively engaging in sexual activity
• Treat clothing with permethrin

IS THERE A CURE OR CURRENT TREATMENTS

Mild symptoms and low-grade Zika transmission often requires no treatment. Individuals infected and/or diagnosed with Zika Virus are recommended to do the following: 

• rest
• drink plenty of fluids
• treat pain and fever with common over-the-counter medication

However, if symptoms continue after attempting the above methods, seek medical treatment with a doctor. For severe cases, currently there is no vaccine for the Zika virus.

CONCLUSION

While the media or local new reports may not be as frequently reporting the Zika Virus as much as it was in late 2015, but that does not mean the risk is not existent. Zika is concerning and still very real. Utilizing preventative measures will greatly reduce your risk of getting the disease. Additionally, this will reduce the rate of transmission as well.