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Organization: South Coast Air Quality Management District
Date: November 12, 2008
Southland Smog Season On Par with Recent Years
This year's smog season in the Southland was similar to recent years,
although the number of days of unhealthy air quality for ozone climbed
slightly this year compared to 2007.
The Southland exceeded the federal 8-hour standard for ozone on 120 days
this year compared to 108 days in 2007 and 114 in 2006.
"This year's numbers show that we need to remain diligent and aggressive in
seeking all feasible means to reduce emissions and improve air quality," said
William A. Burke, Ed.D., Governing Board Chairman of the South Coast Air
Quality Management District.
Weather plays a significant role during every smog season with hot, stagnant
days favoring ozone formation. This year's season began with hotter-than-
normal temperatures, possibly contributing to a greater number of unhealthy
days.
The region did experience the lowest 8-hour peak ozone concentration on
record this year. The peak level this year was 0.131 parts per million (ppm),
down from 0.137 ppm last year and 0.142 ppm in 2006. The peak 8-hour
ozone concentration this year occurred on Aug. 2 in Santa Clarita.
Although smog levels in the Southland declined dramatically during the past
few decades, progress has slowed in recent years.
"With new regulations in place or expected in the near future — particularly
those targeting diesel emissions — we hope to see air quality progress
accelerate in the coming years," Burke said.
Smog season officially begins on May 1 and ends on Oct. 31. Ground-level
ozone can cause short-term health effects including chest pain, coughing,
and nose and throat irritation, and is linked to increased symptoms for those
with asthma and bronchitis. The declining trend in 8-hour ozone
concentration levels is important in protecting public health and reducing
individual's exposure to harmful air pollution.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
