IS YOUR PRACTICE PICTURE PERFECT? A special deal for GLMS Members
( continued from page 7) methodology are evolving and that this might not have been an accurate assessment, especially since air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide or ozone are not counted for additional risk. In the United States, the report finds a median PM 2.5 µ m levels of 8 mcg / m ³. In China the median PM 2.5 level is an enormous 54 mcg / m ³ and in India, an unbreathable 62 mcg / m ³.
I recommend reading Richard Connif’ s report in the NYT, January 21, about trying to survive Bejing’ s foul air. Think of the pictures beamed back from the 2008 Olympics, even though especially draconian driving restrictions were enforced during the Games.
The US EPA air quality standards for PM 2.5 call for no more than an annual mean of 12 µ m mcg / m ³. The WHO suggests a lower PM 2.5 standard of 10 mcg / m ³. In 2010, Jefferson County’ s mean 2.5 PM of 14.7 mcg / m ³ exceeded the EPA goal, but by 2015 hit the mark at 11.2 mcg / m ³ in 2015( EPA’ s Air-Quality Statistics).
The improvement in toxic emissions in Jefferson County is also reflected in the EPA report of the air quality index( AQI). The AQI is a measure of overall air pollutant concentration over a specified average period. Many countries have different ways to calculate the air quality index. Therefore, it is not easy to compare air quality
indices from different continents, but standardization within a country is better. The air quality index in the United States is based on ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The index in the US is converted into six categories from good( 0-50), unhealthy( 100-150) and so on, ranging up to hazardous( 401-500). The air quality index in Jefferson County was unhealthy a total of 69 days in 2010; it has continuously improved over the years to only 14 days in 2015( EPA AQI Daily Report).
The fact that the air quality improved with enforcement of the Clean Air Act over the last eight years, with using new technology in Louisville’ s power plants, is a good reason not to accept poor air quality in our city as a consequence of fate and geography. Thanks to prudent regulations, dedicated citizens and officials, we are clearing the air that becomes our breath. It is a good investment to“ make Louisville healthier again.”
Dr. Kloecker is an associate professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology. He is director of the Hematology-Medical Oncology Fellowship Program.
IS YOUR PRACTICE PICTURE PERFECT? A special deal for GLMS Members
Hollie Colwick Photography is currently offering a discount for GLMS members.
Business portraits for GLMS physicians are a specially discounted rate at the Hollie Colwick Photography Studio. Digital copies and prints are available at a variety of reasonable prices.
For more information, email holliecolwick @ gmail. com and mention GLMS!
››“ Business Portrait Session” in studio- $ 100
››“ Business Portrait Session” on location- $ 100 + $ 50 travel fee
››“ Practice Portrait Session” in studio – Email for quote
››“ Practice Portrait Session” on location – Email for quote www. holliecolwick. com holliecolwick @ gmail. com
8 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE