The California State University, Stanislaus Green Team held a meeting Feb. 19 in the Kirk Lindsey Center.  It was led by Rikki Schmeeckle of the Green Team and speaker Anthony Preston.
The Stanislaus Green Team program is a free service offered via the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. They provide an array of services and resources to the business community that assist with being economically and environmentally smart.
Preston had an engaging activity related to air quality and why the Stanislaus county has the second worst quality of air in California.
Air quality is handled at two levels; Federal level EPA and state level California Air Resources Board.
Valley Air District is the biggest district, yet they have the worst air quality and 20 percent of Stanislaus county kids has asthma.  This proves that it is effecting our young generation.
So, what is the main cause of the Valley air pollution? Heavy Diesel trucks are the main source of air pollution at 42 percent.
There are impacts of wood burning like particulate matter (PM). The valley burns 17 tons of PM daily and PM harms our health.  It can lead to things like lung infections, acute bronchitis, asthma attacks and heart attacks. No burning of fireplaces or burning unless registered can help you protect yourself and others.
As a business environment of agriculture, one should let the public know that they care about public health and cleaner air.
There are a few ways you can get your message heard.  Bring your message to elementary schools, advisory networks and even check air quality day and night.
Many people do not realize what they do on a daily basis affects our air quality. It is not what you drive, but how you drive, when your filling up your car and the amount of hairspray you use because it has no voluntary compounds.
Starting a nationwide program, giving people money and providing transfer services are all things you can do to help reduce air pollution. Some businesses already provide free public transportation to reduce air pollution.
The valley experiences its worst air pollution when school starts due to all the motor vehicles dropping off children and picking them up in the afternoon.
To determine if a child should play or have physical activity, individuals should follow air quality index which states, “Level 1 good air quality, Level 2 moderate, Level 3 unhealthy depending on certain groups, Level 4 unhealthy, and Level 5 is very unhealthy/hazardous.”
Contact Outreach and Communications
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valleyair.org
StanislausGreenTeam.com