NASA showcases big drop in air pollution over D.C., I-95 corridor since 2005

[cpzilliacus]

Washington Post: NASA showcases big drop in air pollution over D.C., I-95 corridor since 2005

NASA has released some encouraging images showing a marked decline in air pollution over much of the eastern U.S., including Washington, D.C. and the I-95 corridor since 2005.

The images show the change in concentration of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to adverse effects on the respiratory system. NASA provides this helpful background information:

Nitrogen dioxide is one of the six common pollutants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect human health. Alone it can impact the respiratory system, but it also contributes to the formation of other pollutants including ground-level ozone and particulates, which also carry adverse health effects. The gas is produced primarily during the combustion of gasoline in vehicle engines and coal in power plants. It's also a good proxy for the presence of air pollution in general.

[Desert Man]

I wonder NASA did a similar air pollution study for the smog-laden Los Angeles Basin and Inland Empire regions in Southern CA. Locals claim the air has improved over the years, the cleanest air the regions had since the advent of factories during WW2. Once again, on some summer days, the mountains north of L.A. would be visible without wind pushing the smog northward or eastward.

[cpzilliacus]

I wonder NASA did a similar air pollution study for the smog-laden Los Angeles Basin and Inland Empire regions in Southern CA. Locals claim the air has improved over the years, the cleanest air the regions had since the advent of factories during WW2. Once again, on some summer days, the mountains north of L.A. would be visible without wind pushing the smog northward or eastward.

I wonder the same.

I can recall visiting Los Angeles in the 1970's and not being able to see the mountains north of town because of the smog from Palos Verdes. 

Unless it is raining, they are always visible now.

But pollution in the L.A. Basin is very much about vehicle emissions. 

Not nearly as much so in the East, where much of the pollution (SOX, NOX and PM) has come from coal-fired electric generating stations located in the Appalachian and Allegheny ranges, and in the Ohio River valley. The prevailing winds carry those pollutants east towards the Atlantic Ocean and the metropolitan areas located along or near the coast, especially Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. 

[DTComposer]

Images of other cities (including Los Angeles) here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/sets/72157645366137035/

I can recall visiting Los Angeles in the 1970's and not being able to see the mountains north of town because of the smog from Palos Verdes. 

Unless it is raining, they are always visible now.

My commute gives me a daily look north from Palos Verdes - the San Gabriel Mountains are visible about 2/3 of the time - always after a rain or during windy days, about half the time otherwise.