Coastal Bend Expected to Experience Elevated Particle Matter Levels
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have reported that the Coastal Bend region in Texas is expected to experience elevated levels of Particle Matter (PM) today and into Tuesday.
Understanding Particle Matter (PM)
Particle Matter, also known as PM or particle pollution, refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets present in the air. While some particles are large or dark enough to be seen, others are too small to be visible.
Causes of Elevated PM Levels
The elevated PM levels in the Coastal Bend region are primarily caused by light to moderate residual smoke originating from central-southern Mexico, Central America, and the Yucatan Peninsula. These particles are being transported northward into the eastern two-thirds of Texas. Additionally, light to moderate winds could contribute to urban haze, particularly in densely populated areas. As a result, the Corpus Christi area is expected to have elevated levels of PM.
Impact on Health
Corpus Christi is projected to experience PM levels categorized as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” It is advised that individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers take precautions to reduce their exposure. This can be done by choosing less strenuous activities or limiting the time spent outdoors.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and those who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation.
Monitoring Air Quality
Individuals can monitor the air quality specific to their zip code or city by visiting the following websites:
Contact Information
For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Cassandra Hinojosa at 361-826-2944 or cassandrah3@cctexas.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the elevated Particle Matter (PM) levels in the Coastal Bend area, specifically Corpus Christi, Texas. This directly relates to the health and well-being of individuals in the affected region (SDG 3). It also highlights the impact of urban haze and air pollution on cities and communities (SDG 11), as well as the connection to climate change and the need for climate action (SDG 13).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The elevated PM levels and air pollution pose health risks, which align with SDG 3.9. The focus on urban haze and air quality in cities relates to SDG 11.6. Additionally, the mention of climate-related factors contributing to the PM levels connects to SDG 13.1.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution (SDG 3.9)
- Air quality index and levels of particle matter (PM) (SDG 11.6)
- Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (SDG 13.1)
The article implies the need to measure the number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution, which can be used as an indicator for progress towards SDG 3.9. The air quality index and levels of particle matter (PM) mentioned in the article can serve as indicators for measuring progress towards SDG 11.6. Lastly, the resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards can be used as an indicator for SDG 13.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality index and levels of particle matter (PM) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: news.cctexas.com
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