Air Pollution Risks
Seminar in Risk CommunicationCommunications 553, Fall 1997
Glynn R. Wilson
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Last updated December 8, 1997
Summary and Conclusions
Air pollution to hang around
It is quite clear from the information presented here that air pollution is a long-term human health risk on the global, national and local levels. It is primarily a chronic problem, although for certain segments of the population, high pollution levels in cities, especially during the summer, can have catastrophic effects for those with respiratory problems, the young and old. And all indications are that air pollution will be with us for years to come, in spite of government programs designed to reduce it. It is a growing problem in developing countries, while the industrialized nations have begun to reduce carbon emissions, ozone, and particulates.
Politicians, the press, and the people
Politicians, the press, and the people, have a role to play in the outcome of this debate. We may witness politicians who believe the government has a role and that air pollution is a problem, as important as economic development and providing new jobs. Others may take actions that emphasize the economy and diminish the arguments for cleaner air. Others may sit on the proverbial political fence, or say they are for clean air and do nothing about it.Some members of the public have become highly involved in clean air, others have positive attitudes about it but take little action, while others simply do not care or support an ideological position against government intervention in the economy to regulate corporate air pollution. It is up to each individual to decide (or not) in which camp they choose to belong. Not deciding means you are probably contributing to the problem.
The press will continue to cover the issue as it plays out in the political process, as long as conflicts arise, and scientists release studies on the subject. Some may even take a proactive position to try and help educate the public, and pressure politicians to do more, by writing editorials, and by engaging in investigative, interpretive, advocacy, and civic journalism. The press is a major contributor to pollution problems. Newspapers are one of the largest paper producers and users in the world, while radio and television stations use millions of kilowatt hours of power each day.
The local solution
In East Tennessee, uninspected automobiles, TVA's coal-fired power plants, and industry such as Champion International and the Eastman chemical plant in Kingsport are the major sources of ozone, particulates and carbon pollution. According to some experts, technology exists now for utilities to reduce emissions. One potential solution involves injecting amonia into boilers. Yet these systems are expensive, and come with their own dangers. And TVA is $20 billion in debt, primarily due to mismanagement of it's nuclear power program in years past.Political leadership to reduce air pollution problems appears to be non-existent in East Tennessee, although the city of Nashville implemented an auto inspection program a few years ago, with positive results. Knoxville Mayor Victor Ash made reactionary, obstructionist statements opposing EPA's new ambient air quality standards all last year, and has been mute on the subject since the rules went into effect in July of 1997. Very little has been reported in the local press since then about plans to meet the deadlines slated for 2004 and 2007.
Inevitable Outcome, Sooner or Later
After researching the issue as a journalist and scholar, it appears likely that TVA will have to spend more and invest in new technologies to reduce its emissions, while local governments will most likely have to consider mandating cleaner fuels and auto inspection programs. The sooner this realization is communicated by the press, the sooner the public will realize the inevitability of the measures, and politicians will get onboard.Yet the problems will not be solved overnight. It is the inevitable conclusion of this analysis that the battle will continue to be fought out in the boardrooms, backrooms, legislative chambers and newsrooms, in households and workplaces, for years into the next century. One day we may all be able to breathe easier.
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