Theodore Parker Sr.
What is the New Index?
It’s a report of the level of certain air pollutants (in winter, average levels of sulfur oxides and particulates; in summer, particulares and peak levels of oxidants) measured during the preceding 24 hours, plus an air pollution “forecast’’ for the following day. The index was developed by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in cooperation with the state’s news media and the Christmas Seal/Lung Association to provide a uniform method for reporting air pollution levels.
How Do Your Read the New Index?
The index is based on the Federal Health Standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It reports micrograms of pollution per cubic meter of air in four stages:
(figure available in print form)
What to do if heavy air pollution is forecast
If there’s danger of an air pollution episode, the following precautions ar recommended:
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1.
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Curtail physical activity, both indoors and outdoors. (The most active you are, the more breaths you take—and the more pollutants you breathe in.)
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Stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows closed. (Pollution levels are usually lower indoors than out. And buildings themselves act as filters of sorts, blocking or absorbing some pollutants.)
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Avoid smoke filled rooms. If you are a smoker, stop or cut down smoking.
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4.
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Don’t use your fireplace.
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Don’t use your incinerator.
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Don’t drive if possible. If you must travel, use a public transportation. If you must drive, form car pools, avoid busy streets and expressways. If you have a choice, take a bridge instead of a tunnel. If you must use a tunnel, keep car windows and ventilator closed.
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If you’re on the street and a bus or truck emits a cloud of exhaust, hold your breath.
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Do not wear contact lens.
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In the winter months, use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to your home. (Moisture helps you breathe easier:)
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10. Cut down on water use. (Electricity is needed to pump water and sewage systems, and to run sewage treatment plants.)
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11. Cut down on use of electricity. Keep nonessential lights off. Postpone running washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, other non-essential appliances.
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12. Lower room temperature in your home if health considerations permit.
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13. Postpone indoor cleaning jobs that circulate dust, such as sweeping, vacuuming.
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14. Postpone outdoor jobs that raise dust, such as raking leaves, sweeping sidewalks, excavating land, etc.
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15. Don’t use the phone unless it’s essential. (Telephone circuits can be overburdened in emergencies.)
Special precautions
(For the elderly, chronically ill, heart and lung patients, bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema sufferers, post-operative patients, and newborn infants)
Stay indoors, keep windows closed, and follow the other appropriate suggestions listed above. In addition:
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1. If you have an air filtering system or air conditioner, turn it on.
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2. If you’re, on medication, take it at the first sign of worsening symptoms and call your physician.
HOW A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT WORKS
(figure available in print form)
THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET RID OF WASTE HEAT FROM A POWER PLANT IS TO PUMP LAKE WATER THROUGH THE COOLING SYSTEM. THIS METHOD IS CALLED THE DIRECT-FLOW METHOD. ALL THE HEATED WATER GOES INTO THE LAKE..
THIS IS HOW THERMAL POLLUTION IS CAUSED.