The Environmental Protection Agency has been monitoring air quality and trash removal in Joplin, Mo., since May 28. Nearly two weeks of daily reports have kept a close watch on such particulate matter in the air. Even though reports have stayed within the "good" range for breathable air, the EPA recommends all volunteers wear approved breathing masks as a precaution.
Particulates have had a steady decline ever since the tornado occurred. May 28 had readings of around 40 parts per million (ppm) per cubic meter, which is just 10 parts per million away from the "moderate" level instead of "good" air quality. The most recent report of June 9 states readings indicate particulate matter to be around 25 ppm.
Weather may play a factor in air quality. Humidity, temperature and wind speeds also have an important role in air quality standards. May 29, the second day of readings, had some of the lowest particulate matter levels in the two-week period at around 16 ppm. None of the levels has shown to be in less than acceptable ranges for normal activity.
The reason for the masks is simply a preventive measure. High winds may stir up more debris. Microscopic particles in the lungs and nasal passages can cause serious health problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, bronchitis and can aggravate asthma symptoms.
Particulate matter consists of microscopic particles unseen to the human eye yet large enough to settle into the lungs after repeated breaths. Insulation, saw dust, paint chips and even water droplets can pose threats to human health in a disaster zone. Specifically, they are less than 10 micrometers in diameter. By comparison, the average width of a human hair is 18 micrometers at it smallest range up to 180 micrometers at the thickest.
If there are older homes with lead paint or asbestos insulation there can be more hazards such as carcinogenic affects with prolonged exposure. Recent threats such as fungal infections can be exacerbated by mold spores growing in standing water. The water may be present as left over rain water sits in foundations of homes not yet cleaned up.
A breathing mask can save a trip to the hospital, chronic health difficulties and even death if volunteers and workers will be in the area for months at a time. People with underlying health problems should probably wear masks in the disaster zone no matter how long they are near wreckage. Burning trash may also affect air quality in town.
As far as trash collection, over 15,000 items have been removed from damaged sites including more than 4,000 electronic devices that can't go into regular landfills.
William Browning, a lifelong Missouri resident, writes about local and state issues for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Born in St. Louis, Browning earned his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri. He currently resides in Branson.
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