STEVENS POINT, Wisconsin – The sky may look pretty, but what most don’t know is that the color of the sky is actually slowly killing our respiratory system- which is not so pretty. The color in the sky is constructed from light scattering off of particles, which are most likely returning from a wildfire, industrial facility, or from us humans driving our cars to school in the morning. Since there isn’t much action a singular person can achieve to make a positive and quick transformation on poor air quality. It is important to spread awareness on it so more people can try and make a change.

What we first need to realize is- it is not just us humans faults alone. Scientists, politicians, and plenty of other specific groups of people have beliefs that climate change and air pollution is all done solely by humans. Then, they will continue to target us humans for our actions, when really, measures that are required to be a part of our universe are the real perpetrators. An example of this can be shown by comparing two different types of air pollutant-sources, driving and power plants. While humans go on a casual drive, there are actions we do that cause tiny amounts of PM2.5 to enter the atmosphere, which is made up of particles that are 30 times smaller than the diameter of human hair, PM2.5 is so small that it can be easily inhaled deep into the lungs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says.  Meanwhile, kunak air states how much PM2.5 power plants release, and they account for up to 61 percent of it. It is important that we don’t put all of the blame on ourselves, because then we may feel that we need to take more accountability than is needed. Some more natural, or stationary examples of where poor air quality may originate from includes oil refineries, industrial facilities, wind-blown dust, volcanoes, agriculture areas, cities, and woodburning appliances. These are point sources of pollution, because a large amount of pollution is emitting into a small location. We understand that poor air quality comes naturally from how we live, and we can’t easily prevent it, but it can surely be reduced with the help of our community here in Portage County, Wisconsin.

Poor air quality can be reduced by spreading awareness, like informing a larger group of people about the problem. By doing this, it could lead to multiple people in that group to spread the message even further, which spreads more awareness, which also reduces air pollution, when more action is taken towards it. An example of a group that engages in such activities includes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) This group manages poor air quality programs, enforces regulations, issues advisories, and provides important information to the public.

Why does awareness need to be spread? Everyone should have knowledge on the dangers of poor air quality and the dangers it can lead to. Some may think that since this is a “forgotten” topic, since it isn’t talked about as much, but those are the same people who just don’t pay as close attention. The DNR always makes sure to immediately inform the public when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels, which proves that the air can actively affect us. No, you cannot hide from the natural air by entering a building. It is proven that poor air quality can directly affect students’ learning abilities by causing drowsiness, headaches, and a lack of concentration. Even if you are inside a building with very little exposure to natural air from the outdoors- the negatives will still reach you. Poor air quality can also originate from the owner not being the best caretaker. Shortage of fresh air, lack of humidity control, and the maintenance of heating are all factors. Inadequate ventilation is ranked as the number one leading problem. This shows how important it is to take extra action towards our air, so our bodies can operate in a healthy way. Seven years ago, El Marino Language Elementary School in Culver City, California, was a danger to the children’s health due to the poor air quality. Now, this school is a Green Ribbon school, which is a school that has received recognition for providing environmental sustainability, reducing the impact of the environment as well, according to the Department of Education. They were rewarded for the purpose of cleanest air in classrooms, and they were also rewarded by Congress with a Certificate of Recognition. It is also rated as one of the top elementary schools in California. Action was taken after mothers with health problems were concerned for their children who attended the school, along with all the other children. The mothers knew that it was a possibility that their children could suffer from similar health problems as a result of inhaling the poor air quality. “Sabty-Daily had witnessed children struggling with asthma, including some of her own children. She knew she needed to take action.  But it wasn’t just her own children she was concerned about–she wanted to use her expertise to help all the 850 children—as well as everyone else—in the school. She looked to the freeway and realized the time was now. She founded Advocates 4 Clean Air El Marino, an advocacy group that consisted of parents and teachers, to engage the community in identifying the issues, finding solutions and implementing change.” (O’Sullivan, 2018.) This drastic change shows that proof can be possible. Although roads were bumpy at first, and it took many long years, it was still possible to change the school around and save the children from potential health risks.

After reading this article, you may think the sky is not so pretty anymore. Aside from that, you now are aware of the real rise in poor air quality. No more allowing everyone to blame it on each other. Instead of complaining, make a change. Inform others about the mishap so more action can be taken. More education and action leads to less failed respiratory systems.