DONORA SMOG OF 1948

Presentation Outline
What is Air pollution What cause Air Pollution Risk Assessment Risk Management Risk Communication Most vulnerable group Agencies responsible for Air Pollution in Jamaica Conclusion

What is Air Pollution

Indoor and outdoor biological agent that modifies the

natural atmosphere
Any chemical or object in the atmosphere that can cause

harm to human health.

A smog air pollution is a type of large scale outdoor

pollution normally found in cities.

What cause Air Pollution

Commercial Activities Industrial Activities Traffic Toxic substance in the atmospheric environment Smoke from fires Radioactivity hydrocarbons

Risk Assessment
Hazard Identification Disastrous Smog of Donora 1948 Deadly fog that clouded Donora Exposure Assessment Blinding Smog/Fog Smoke from industrial plants in Donora Exposure to poisonous chemical in the atmosphere Fumes from steel/zinc plants Sulfur dioxide in the air

Risk Assessment
Dose Assessment Asthma attacks Breathing problems Respiratory problems approximately 100 individuals suffered

Risk Characterization Hospitalization of victims Deaths 20 reported cases

Risk Management
Laws to reduce and control factory smoke Federal laws to control air pollution Building people awareness The passing of the Clean Air Act

Risk Communication
Publishing of articles Interviews and forums Community meetings/public awareness seminars Media reports Passing of legislation/laws to promote clean air

Most Vulnerable Group

The Elderly Children suffered increase asthma attacks Persons who were already sick got worst Residence of Donora

Agencies responsible for Air Pollution in Jamaica

National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) Jamaica National Ambient Air Quality Standard (1996) Air Quality Regulations (2006) Jamaica Clean Air Act (1961) OSHA Jamaica (EHU & NEPA)

Conclusion
Why is it important to deal with Air Pollution? How important it is to protect Human health? Are the laws to deal with air pollution effective? Could the Donora disaster be prevented?