Proposed EPA Action Could Increase Air Pollution Advisories for Greater Brandon

Proposed changes to air quality standards could result in more pollution advisories for residents with respiratory conditions.

According to Reggie Sanford of Hillsborough County's Environmental Protection Commission, the federal Environmental Protection Agency is considering lowering the standards from 75 parts per billion of ozone pollutants to 60 to 70 parts per billion.

If the EPA changes the standards, two-thirds of Florida will be in violation, he said. (A daily Air Quality Index report for the Tampa Bay area  is posted online.)

“Exposure to air pollution can lead to serious respiratory conditions,” said Sanford. “It can irritate cardiovascular tissue, block airways and complicate asthma, emphysema and other respiratory conditions."

The latest air pollution advisory affecting the Greater Brandon community was issued June 17. A Brandon Patch report on that advisory noted fires throughout the state were contributing to the need to issue that advisory.

“The air quality in Hillsborough County is actually pretty good,” said Sanford. “We’ve had only three unhealthy days in the past five years and that was due mostly to forest fires.”

The Bloomingdale Patch report posted today, June 29, includes the following points:

• Sulfur dioxide in Hillsborough County’s air is coming from an industrial source in south county, a problem that is being addressed, according to Sanford.
• Ozone is generated through the reaction of certain chemicals from vehicles and industrial sources to sunlight.
• In the past, Sanford said, the major source of lead was gasoline but lead was removed from gasoline in 1979 so now the major source of lead is industrial processes. 
• County Commissioner Sandy Murman said she’s been getting a number of complaints about air quality in south Hillsborough County. The EPC previously had an air-monitoring station at Apollo Beach Elementary School, which was discontinued when the numbers showed no quality problems with the air in the area. She asked that the station be reactivated.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Changes in Air Pollution Standards Could Affect Hillsborough County / Bloomingdale Patch