Radio Active Kids February 11! Interview with the String Beans!

 

WASHINGTON, DC – January 1, 2023 –  The United States’ Clean Air Act (CAA) is the foremost air quality law to reduce and control air pollution in our country. It was first passed in 1963. The law is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency sets standards for the maximum concentrations of pollutants in outdoor air and for maximum emissions of hazardous air pollutants from specific industrial sources. After the pollution standards are set, the state and local governments have to develop implementation plans to best achieve these standards. These plans are directed at either a major source or an “area” source. The CAA has been frequently challenged in court by groups seeking stricter guidelines and by other groups seeking less regulation.

The EPA regulates 6 ‘criteria’ air pollutants by using human heath-based and/or environmentally-based criteria data. The agency develops guidelines for the maximum concentration allowable in outdoor air. Five gases and particulate matter (PM) comprise these pollutants. The five gases are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone and sulfur oxides. PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. The EPA only regulates inhalable particles 10 micrometers or smaller. Large particles, like dust, pollen and mold, are about 2.5 to 10 micrometers in width, called PM₁₀ particles. Fine particles, derived from burning fuels and organic compounds, measure less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in width, called PM_2.5 particles. These particles are one thirtieth the width of a human hair. They usually form in the air following a chemical reaction between nitrogen and sulfa-based criteria gases.

The PM_2.5 particles, also called soot, pose a greater risk to human health than the PM₁₀ particles. Soot is linked to heart and lung disease and with early death. It also can adversely affect fetal health and is associated with childhood asthma. Breathing PM has been associated with 32 thousand deaths in the U.S. in 2020, according to a Lancet journal review. Many are related to fossil fuel combustion. Low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately are situated closer to highways and industry in urban areas, the major sources of particle pollution. Other vulnerable groups include outdoor workers, children, seniors, and persons with heart and lung disease.

In January, the EPA has proposed reducing the maximum concentration of PM_2.5 from 12 micrometers per cubic meter of air to between 9 and 10. This is based on the daily averages over the course of a year. The agency is taking public comment on these proposed limits for 60 days after the proposal is entered into the Federal Registry. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, the American Lung Association, the advocacy group Clean Air Now and the Union of Concerned Scientists are in favor of even lower standards, 8 micrograms per cubic meter of air, in order to better protect vulnerable groups that live closer to the sources of pollution.

Harold Wimmer, the president of the American Lung Association said to USA Today, “Inadequate standards leave too many communities behind. Strong particulate matter standards are needed to protect public health and further environmental justice.”

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

WASHINGTON, DC – February 1, 2022 –  It’s been three years since the U.S. public health (PH) emergency was announced for the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, more Americans have health care coverage, food assistance and access to coronavirus tests and vaccines. These executive actions have been continuously renewed until May 11^th when they will expire and not be renewed.

What is going to happen to these provisions:

COVID tests, treatments and vaccines:

During the PH emergency. These new developments were authorized for emergency use by the FDA. Tests, treatment and vaccines have been free for everyone.

After expiration. They will remain authorized for emergency use. Health insurers may charge once the federal supplies are exhausted.

Medicaid:

During the PH emergency. Enrollment markedly increased because the federal government would not allow states to remove people from the program if they had already been enrolled.

After expiration. Starting in April, states can remove ineligible people.

Student loans:

During the PH emergency. Federal student loans payments have been on hold. The Biden administration had announced forgiveness of some federal student loan debt. However, loan forgiveness is pending a Supreme Court ruling.

After expiration. Student loan payments will remain on hold until 60 days following the Supreme Court ruling.

Immigration at the border:

During the PH emergency. Border security can deny people the right to enter the U.S. before they obtain asylum in order to stop the spread of the virus.

After expiration. This is pending Supreme Court review.

Telehealth:

During the PH emergency. Telehealth has become very popular and is now accepted by Medicare and health insurance companies.

After expiration. Congress has authorized Medicare to continue the policy this year.

Food assistance:

During the PH emergency. It was easier for individuals and families to qualify for SNAP benefits. Unemployed adults under 50 and without children and low-income college students had SNAP benefits.

After expiration. SNAP benefit enhancements will end soon in about one-half of the states. SNAP benefits for unemployed adults under 50 and without children are only for workers or participants in job training for at least 20 hours a week. Low-income college students will no longer be eligible for SNAP.

Money for hospitals:

During the PH emergency. Hospitals receive 20% more money for treating COVID-19 Medicare patients.

After expiration. Hospitals will no longer get the additional Medicare payments.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – February 1, 2022 – There is a trend downward to the pre-holiday season COVID-19 community levels. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is low for the week ending January 30th. More than one-half of the counties in North Carolina are low. More than two-thirds of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with about 4% at a high level.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on January 28th indicate:
• Last week’s total cases are down 24% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 31% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has decreased 24% and of ICU patients has decreased by 64% from last week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a low community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:
• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space.
• If you plan on being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour