Why we need a clean air coalition

The Knoxville region experiences a high amount of ground level ozone and fine particulate matter, especially during the summer months. Ground level ozone is formed when the warm sun reacts with pollutants emitted when fuel is burned, such as from motor vehicles, lawn equipment, utility companies and industries. Ozone is a gas that protects the Earth from ultraviolet sunrays in the upper layers of the atmosphere but when it is formed at ground level, it is harmful to our lungs, can damage vital plant and water resources, can affect the economy and can deter tourists from visiting the region if its scenic beauty is hindered by smog.

Particulate matter is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, pollen, smoke and liquid droplets. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), those smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are of particular concern. These particulates are so small that they can become lodged deep in your lungs and may even enter the bloodstream and cause health problems.

Some particles are directly emitted into the air such as from vehicles, factories, construction, farm fields, quarrying and burning. Other particles are formed in the air when gases from burning fuels react with sunlight and water vapor.

On April 15, 2004 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated several areas throughout the country as non-attainment for air quality. These areas have ozone and PM 2.5 levels higher than allowed under EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standard. The standard is designed to protect the public from exposure to unhealthy pollutants.

In the Knoxville region, the counties designated non-attainment for ground level ozone include Anderson, Blount, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Sevier and that portion of Cocke County within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These counties were categorized as basic non-attainment areas and will have to comply with more general non-attainment requirements in the Clean Air Act. Counties designated as non-attainment for PM 2.5 include Knox, Loudon, Anderson, Blount, and a portion of Roane.