Winners developed a low cost, real time personal digital device that measures health effects of harmful air pollution
WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the winner of the My Air, My Health Challenge. The Challenge called upon innovators nationwide to design a small, low-cost sensor that integrates air quality measurements with related health data, such as heart rate and breathing. Such innovations will help EPA and NIH as they continue their work together to better understand, in real time, the impacts of harmful air pollution on people’s health.
Judges for the EPA and NIH challenge selected the team of David Kuller, Gabrielle Savage Dockterman, and Dot Kelly from among finalist teams. The award will be presented today at Health Datapalooza IV in Washington, D.C.
The winning team will receive a $100,000 award for developing Conscious Clothing, a wearable, real-time breathing analysis tool that calculates the amount of polluted air a person inhales. Estimates of pollution exposure result from how deeply the person breathes and how much pollution is in the air. This data is transmitted to any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a cellphone.
“This integration of technologies represents a growing area of interest for environmental and health scientists,” said Glenn Paulson, Ph.D., EPA science advisor. “We’re at the edge of a technology wave where anyone can use these sensors – these innovations will help EPA better understand air pollution’s impacts on people’s health. The potential impact on personal health care and local environmental quality is tremendous.”
“With people wearing these new data-collecting devices, researchers will be able to see and understand the relationships between varying levels of chemical exposures and individual health responses—in real time,” said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the NIH. “This is a big step forward toward treating, and more importantly, preventing disease and illness. This is an exciting time in research.”
These types of low-cost, portable, easy-to-use sensors have the potential to produce a more complete picture of air quality and individual health in communities across the country.
More information on the My Air, My Health Challenge: http://epa.gov/research/challenges
Also, see the EPA blog.
Cross-posted from: http://epa.gov/
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Millbourne Borough, A Local Community Led By A Sierra Club Volunteer, Wins DVRPC's Air Quality Partnership Award
Millbourne Borough was honored to receive Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's (DVRPC) Air Quality Partnership Award on Wednesday, May 15th, 2013. Speakers included Jeanette MacNeille, Millbourne Borough Council President, Bill McCune, President of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Sue Edwards of the Sierra Club's Pennsylvania Clean Air Campaign, John McBlain, Commissioner to DVRPC and Sean Greene, Senior Planner at DVRPC.
Many actions led to this award. The Borough planted 160 trees last year with support from PENNVEST and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Natural Lands Trust and PECO, bought and upgraded its street light system resulting in estimated savings of $105,000 over 6 years and 20% reduction in energy use, and developed a transit-oriented plan for an 18-acre lot near the Millbourne Station on the Market-Frankford EL.
In the future, the Borough and Millbourne businesses will fly Air Alert flags at Millbourne Borough Hall, Wister Drive Park, and Millbourne Train Station to let neighbors know that they should take steps to avoid adding ozone and particulates on days when air pollution is bad.
The award was accepted by Mayor Tom Kramer and Borough Council President Jeanette MacNeille in honor of all the children of Millbourne, who represent our future and need clean air to breathe.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Sierra Club House Party/Meeting Sunday May 19th
To all my environmental friends,
The local Sierra Club group seeks creative ways to get out its message about the need for clean energy (efficiency and solar and wind power) to replace dirty fossil fuels. Recently we held a mock tug-of-war near Independence Mall between Fossil Fuel Fat Cats and supporters of Clean Green Energy. It was lots of fun while having a serious message for President Obama about the need for bold action to follow up on his words supporting clean energy.
You are invited to a Sierra Club House Party/Meeting.
Join like-minded people at my home and hear an update of the Sierra Club's 100-day plan. Find out what's planned ahead and how, if you'd like, you can help or be involved.
We will have refreshments (finger foods) wine, coffee and if anyone cares to bring beer. Our last event was fun and informative.
Maria DiLullo
The local Sierra Club group seeks creative ways to get out its message about the need for clean energy (efficiency and solar and wind power) to replace dirty fossil fuels. Recently we held a mock tug-of-war near Independence Mall between Fossil Fuel Fat Cats and supporters of Clean Green Energy. It was lots of fun while having a serious message for President Obama about the need for bold action to follow up on his words supporting clean energy.
You are invited to a Sierra Club House Party/Meeting.
Join like-minded people at my home and hear an update of the Sierra Club's 100-day plan. Find out what's planned ahead and how, if you'd like, you can help or be involved.
We will have refreshments (finger foods) wine, coffee and if anyone cares to bring beer. Our last event was fun and informative.
WHEN: Sunday, May 19thCall 215-508-2532 or Email <maria.dilullo@gmail.com> to RSVP or for directions
TIME: 2- 5 pm
WHERE:
527 Wartman Street
Phila PA 19128
Maria DiLullo
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Symbolic Tug O' War Between Fossil Fuel Fat Cats and the Glorious Greens: Come See the Spectacle
GUERRILLA THEATER TUG OF WAR!
DIRTY FOSSIL FUELS VS. CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY
Mon., April 8th, 5:00 – 7:00 PM [Rain Date Wed., April 10]
Independence Mall - 5th & Market Sts.
Philadelphia
Join Sierra Club activists and others as we stage a mock tug of war
“Filthy rich” titans of coal & oil, with tuxedos and money bags
vs.
The forces of green energy:
people in lab coats, scrubs, or green hard hats; people from island nations, the Arctic; animals threatened by sea level rise, etc.
(create your own costume!)
In the middle, President Obama, weighing Renewable Energy or settling for “All of the Above” (including fossil fuels)
The stark choice will be made visible—will you be there?
Afterwards, free refreshments for participants at Soho Pizza, 218 Market St.
RSVP: William Kramer at william.kramer@sierraclub.org 732-589-8024 or Sue Edwards at sueedwards79@gmail.com 610-543-2986 with your costume plans
This is one of our events to push President Obama to take action on climate change policies that he promised in his Inaugural Address. For more information, check out our previous blog post outlining our strategy to motivate Obama on climate policies.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Citizen's Hearing on the EPA's Carbon Standard June 19
On Thursday, May 24, 2012, concerned doctors, nurses, moms, and everyday citizens descended on Washington, DC and Chicago to testify at public hearings on the EPA's proposed carbon standards for new power plants. Medical professionals and public health officials agree that carbon pollution, left unchecked, will contribute to climate change and an increase in dangerous smog, which will trigger more episodes of respiratory distress in children and seniors. For the approximately 15% of Pennsylvania children that have suffered from asthma, this new standard, which will reduce pollution by 123 billion pounds annually, will also help reduce missed school days, missed work days, severe asthma attacks, and hospital visits. The EPA’s proposed carbon pollution standard limiting industrial carbon pollution from new power plants is critical to protect the health of our children and families.
Without traveling to DC or Chicago, you too can speak out in support of this critical public health safeguard. Join us at a Citizen's hearing on the rule here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. To date over 1 Million comments have been submitted in support of this rule! This event will be an opportunity for Pennsylvania residents to learn more about the new carbon standards, hear expert testimony, and have a chance to submit your own official comments to the EPA at the event.
Philadelphia Citizens' Hearing on EPA's Carbon Standard:
June 19, 2012
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Philadelphia City Council Chambers
Philadelphia City Hall (Market & Broad Sts.) 19107
Host: City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown
Without traveling to DC or Chicago, you too can speak out in support of this critical public health safeguard. Join us at a Citizen's hearing on the rule here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. To date over 1 Million comments have been submitted in support of this rule! This event will be an opportunity for Pennsylvania residents to learn more about the new carbon standards, hear expert testimony, and have a chance to submit your own official comments to the EPA at the event.
Philadelphia Citizens' Hearing on EPA's Carbon Standard:
June 19, 2012
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Philadelphia City Council Chambers
Philadelphia City Hall (Market & Broad Sts.) 19107
Host: City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Air Quality Is a Problem Facing Every Community
Dr. Albert A. Rizzo, a pulmonologist and critical care physician at Christiana Care Health System, recently wrote to the Delaware County Daily Times to express his concern about the air quality in the greater Philadelphia area. He has watched patients struggling to breathe across three decades of treating patients with lung disease. He makes the point that air pollution doesn't respect governmental boundaries. For example, the state of Delaware, which would otherwise have had a good grade for clean air, suffered from bad ozone pollution because it drifts in from other states. Polluted air is a shared problem.
When we think about clean air, more than anything else we need to think about the future of our children. It's hard to think when you can't breathe well. It's hard to study, or run or walk or go bicycling or play basketball or even just hang out with your friends. We all want every child to grow up healthy and achieve great things -- but you need to be able to study and think and run and play as a child to do that. We need cleaner air. I strongly endorse Dr. Rizzo's thoughts and comments and thank him for writing.
Jeanette MacNeille,
President, Millbourne Borough Council
When we think about clean air, more than anything else we need to think about the future of our children. It's hard to think when you can't breathe well. It's hard to study, or run or walk or go bicycling or play basketball or even just hang out with your friends. We all want every child to grow up healthy and achieve great things -- but you need to be able to study and think and run and play as a child to do that. We need cleaner air. I strongly endorse Dr. Rizzo's thoughts and comments and thank him for writing.
Jeanette MacNeille,
President, Millbourne Borough Council
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
EPA News Release: EPA Administrator Jackson and Philadelphia Mayor Nutter Sign Landmark Green City, Clean Waters Partnership Agreement
(PHILADELPHIA – April 10, 2012) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz and city and federal officials, signed an agreement that represents a $2 billion investment in Philadelphia green infrastructure during an event at the Fairmount Water Works.
Over the next 25 years, the Green City, Clean Waters partnership agreement will transform many of Philadelphia’s traditional hardened surfaces to green areas to better manage potentially harmful rainwater runoff pollution. This unique federal – city partnership is designed to ensure the success of the Green City, Clean Waters Plan and to present the plan as a national model for cities embracing green stormwater infrastructure. Green infrastructure investments make our communities cleaner, healthier, and more attractive places to live and work.
"The EPA is proud to be working in partnership to support green infrastructure advances that will lead to cleaner waters and a stronger economy for the city of Philadelphia. This city has earned a place as a national and global leader on sustainable innovation and clean water protection," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "The Green City, Clean Waters Partnership promises to lead the way for communities across the nation, which can use the lessons learned through this long-term project to protect their health, safeguard their waters and boost their economies."
EPA will provide assistance to the city in identifying and promoting higher performing green infrastructure designs, convening technical expertise from around the country to advance green designs and support a green design competition, and help remove barriers to innovation in the city’s plan. EPA will also assist on research and technical assistance, and monitoring the effectiveness and evaluating benefits of the program through cooperation on water quality monitoring and modeling work that the city has undertaken.
“The Green City Clean Waters Plan is our proposal to revitalize our rivers and streams by managing stormwater in a way that provides multiple benefits. It will result in clean and beautiful waterways, a healthier environment and increased community value. The assistance of our many and diverse regulatory and public partners makes it the most cost effective investment of its kind in the country,” said Mayor Nutter. “Where other cities are challenged by very expensive commitments for tunnels, tanks and other gray infrastructure, we have worked with the state and the EPA to take this greener, more fiscally prudent approach that will realize multiple benefits.”
The city of Philadelphia is leading the development of green strategies to manage urban stormwater runoff – the 21st century’s greatest challenge to the health of our nation’s rivers and streams. Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters Plan layers green technologies modeled on natural practices on top of the city’s 3,000 mile sewer network, Philadelphia’s 20th century investment in traditional “gray” infrastructure, to capture rainwater on the surface. Capturing rainwater prevents sewer overflows containing industrial and human waste from discharging to waterways during wet weather. It will transform streets, parking lots, schools, public spaces into urban landscapes that reduce sewer overflows to our waterways while enhancing our communities.
“The signing of this monumental agreement is a transformative step for urban environmental policy in the United States,” said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. “Philadelphia and the EPA's forward-looking collaboration on storm water runoff will help strengthen economic development, protect our drinking water and should serve as a model for cities around the country.”
Green City Clean Waters is based upon an adaptive management approach that will identify and maximize green practices that achieve the most efficient and cost effective environmental goals for the City of Philadelphia.
To view the agreement visit: www.phillywatersheds.org
Contacts:
EPA: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov
Philadelphia: Mark McDonald 215-686-6210 Mark.McDonald@phila.gov
Over the next 25 years, the Green City, Clean Waters partnership agreement will transform many of Philadelphia’s traditional hardened surfaces to green areas to better manage potentially harmful rainwater runoff pollution. This unique federal – city partnership is designed to ensure the success of the Green City, Clean Waters Plan and to present the plan as a national model for cities embracing green stormwater infrastructure. Green infrastructure investments make our communities cleaner, healthier, and more attractive places to live and work.
"The EPA is proud to be working in partnership to support green infrastructure advances that will lead to cleaner waters and a stronger economy for the city of Philadelphia. This city has earned a place as a national and global leader on sustainable innovation and clean water protection," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "The Green City, Clean Waters Partnership promises to lead the way for communities across the nation, which can use the lessons learned through this long-term project to protect their health, safeguard their waters and boost their economies."
EPA will provide assistance to the city in identifying and promoting higher performing green infrastructure designs, convening technical expertise from around the country to advance green designs and support a green design competition, and help remove barriers to innovation in the city’s plan. EPA will also assist on research and technical assistance, and monitoring the effectiveness and evaluating benefits of the program through cooperation on water quality monitoring and modeling work that the city has undertaken.
“The Green City Clean Waters Plan is our proposal to revitalize our rivers and streams by managing stormwater in a way that provides multiple benefits. It will result in clean and beautiful waterways, a healthier environment and increased community value. The assistance of our many and diverse regulatory and public partners makes it the most cost effective investment of its kind in the country,” said Mayor Nutter. “Where other cities are challenged by very expensive commitments for tunnels, tanks and other gray infrastructure, we have worked with the state and the EPA to take this greener, more fiscally prudent approach that will realize multiple benefits.”
The city of Philadelphia is leading the development of green strategies to manage urban stormwater runoff – the 21st century’s greatest challenge to the health of our nation’s rivers and streams. Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters Plan layers green technologies modeled on natural practices on top of the city’s 3,000 mile sewer network, Philadelphia’s 20th century investment in traditional “gray” infrastructure, to capture rainwater on the surface. Capturing rainwater prevents sewer overflows containing industrial and human waste from discharging to waterways during wet weather. It will transform streets, parking lots, schools, public spaces into urban landscapes that reduce sewer overflows to our waterways while enhancing our communities.
“The signing of this monumental agreement is a transformative step for urban environmental policy in the United States,” said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. “Philadelphia and the EPA's forward-looking collaboration on storm water runoff will help strengthen economic development, protect our drinking water and should serve as a model for cities around the country.”
Green City Clean Waters is based upon an adaptive management approach that will identify and maximize green practices that achieve the most efficient and cost effective environmental goals for the City of Philadelphia.
To view the agreement visit: www.phillywatersheds.org
Contacts:
EPA: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov
Philadelphia: Mark McDonald 215-686-6210 Mark.McDonald@phila.gov
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Purveyors of Poison
Republicans Attacking Mercury And Air Toxics Rule
Republican Senator James Inhofe has started the process to block the mercury and air toxics rule promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency in December. If successful, the Congressional Review Act will prevent the agency from ever protecting our air and waters from this dangerous poison.
Mercury Is A Poison
Uncontrolled mercury emissions are responsible for "up to 11,000 premature deaths, 4,700 heart attacks and 130,000 asthma attacks every year." In Pennsylvania, streams run with mercury and power plants are the biggest source of this pollution.
EPA Rule Stops The Poison
The mercury regulation will stop 90% of the mercury currently being emitted by power plants. This will bring the power industry up to the same standards being met by medical waste incinerators and municipal waste combustors. The rule will save up to $90 billion in health costs each year, far above the estimated $10 billion in costs to utilities. Furthermore, in 2016, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will yield between $1.8 billion and $4.4 billion in benefits in Pennsylvania.
Mercury Rule Will Create Jobs
Recent studies have found that the mercury rule is likely to create 1.5 million jobs. These studies clearly refute claims that the rule adversely affects employment.
Republican Senator James Inhofe has started the process to block the mercury and air toxics rule promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency in December. If successful, the Congressional Review Act will prevent the agency from ever protecting our air and waters from this dangerous poison.
Mercury Is A Poison
Uncontrolled mercury emissions are responsible for "up to 11,000 premature deaths, 4,700 heart attacks and 130,000 asthma attacks every year." In Pennsylvania, streams run with mercury and power plants are the biggest source of this pollution.
EPA Rule Stops The Poison
The mercury regulation will stop 90% of the mercury currently being emitted by power plants. This will bring the power industry up to the same standards being met by medical waste incinerators and municipal waste combustors. The rule will save up to $90 billion in health costs each year, far above the estimated $10 billion in costs to utilities. Furthermore, in 2016, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will yield between $1.8 billion and $4.4 billion in benefits in Pennsylvania.
Mercury Rule Will Create Jobs
Recent studies have found that the mercury rule is likely to create 1.5 million jobs. These studies clearly refute claims that the rule adversely affects employment.
Sierra Club Strongly Supports The Mercury And Air Toxics Rule
The Sierra Club spoke strongly for the adoption of the mercury rule. It urged its members and the public to take action in support of the rule.
Take Action To Save The Rule
The Sierra Club has made it easy to contact your senators and representatives on this important issue. Use its simple web form to make your voice heard. Writing to the editor of your local paper is also important. Contact Sierra Club's William Kramer, william.kramer (at) sierraclub (dot) org, for some sample letters and send him a copy of the letter you write so that we can publish it on this blog.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Great New Public Domain Source of Photographs from EPA/National Archives
The U.S. National Archives just released a series of photos, entitled, "DOCUMERICA Project by the Environmental Protection Agency." These photos from the early days of the EPA document pollution (or what needed to be protected from pollution). The Archives Flickr site has a selected group of these photos that are available on the National Archives Web site. These photos should provide a great resource of copyright-free photos for environmental bloggers!
For more info, see the New York Times article describing the Documerica project.
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