July 3

Parts of at least 37 states plus the District of Columbia already have experienced unhealthy levels of smog so far this year, according to Clean Air Watch, an environmental advocacy group.

Clean Air Watch said its survey is the first comprehensive snapshot of air quality in the United States under new ozone standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year.

The survey of public Web sites found monitored readings of dirty air in states from coast to coast -- from Washington and California to Vermont, Maine and Florida.

"Even though we´ve made progress over the years in reducing smog, this survey is compelling evidence that we still have a widespread and major smog problem," said Frank O´Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch.

Ozone, commonly described as smog, can trigger asthma attacks, send people to hospital emergency rooms and shorten lives.

Details of the group´s survey are available online at http://blogforcleanair.blogspot.com/2008/07/smog-watch-08-status-report-through.html .

Contact Waste News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at (330) 865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

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