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EPA Gives Albuquerque Money To Monitor Air Quality

liikennevalo via compfight
The EPA modified the health base standard for safe levels of fine particulate matter in 2012.

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Environmental Health Department more then $150,000 to continue keeping tabs on the amount of microscopic particles floating in the air.

The particulates come from smoky fires and contaminated road dust, along with gases from vehicles and industrial emissions.

The gases create haze, which along with the smoke from fires, can cause serious heart and lung problems, according to Jennah Durant, spokesperson for the EPA.

“Particulate matter pollutants can be very dangerous to people’s health the smaller they are,” Durant said, “because they’re easier to inhale and become lodged in the lungs and even get into people’s bloodstreams.” 

Durant said at the moment, Albuquerque’s particulate levels are safe.

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