FEATURES
Tim Wheeler | April 25, 2012
Baltimore's air is healthier to breathe than it used to be, but the region still has some of the nation's worst smog and soot pollution, according to the American Lung Association. In its annual report on the state of the nation's air, the advocacy group says the greater Baltimore-Washington region had nearly 41 fewer days of high ozone levels during 2010, the most recent year for which verified federal air-quality data are available. But the region still had the 13th most bad smog days out of 277 metropolitan areas across the country.
HEALTH
Andrea K. Walker | April 17, 2012
The Boston Marathon turned out to be a hot, sweaty, grueling race for even the most experienced runners. The Boston Globe reported that more than 2,100 people were treated for heat exhaustion, dehydration and other illnesses because of temperatures that reached well into the 80s during Monday's race. It was one of those races where people were just grateful to finish. There probably weren't too many personal records that day. It could be a sign for what's to come for the rest of the running season, which may shape up to be a toasty one. But that's no reason for people to retire their running shoes for the season.
EXPLORE
April 16, 2012
Those who travel by MARC train to get to work are in for a treat as Harford Commuter Assistance, elected officials and special guests will be on hand from 5:30 to 9 a.m. at the Edgewood MARC Train Station May 2, and the Aberdeen MARC Train Station May 8 with giveaways and light refreshments as well as commuting information as part of May's designation as Clean Commute Month. These are commuters who, day after day, board the MARC train heading south to Baltimore and other destinations, includingWashington, D.C.to get to work.
FEATURES
Tim Wheeler | March 15, 2012
The Curtis Bay and Brooklyn neighborhoods in industrialized South Baltimore are among the most polluted in Maryland and even the nation, says a Washington-based environmental group, which is calling for tighter scrutiny of air quality there and curbs on diesel truck emissions. Drawing on federal data, the Environmental Integrity Project says the Curtis Bay zip code has the highest toxic air pollution from businesses and factories in the state, accounting for more than a third of all such emissions in the state and nearly 90 percent of of Baltimore city's total. The neighborhood's emissions also rank 74th highest among all 8,948 zip codes nationwide, according to the group's report.
NEWS
By Joe Burris, The Baltimore Sun | February 2, 2012
On an evening when the weather was unseasonably warm, the Edgewater Elementary School cafeteria was uncomfortably stuffy. Doors were opened to allow cooler air inside, providing some relief for dozens of parents, students and staff who assembled last week to hear a preliminary report on air quality at the school. Moments later, it was the report's findings that seemed to make many people uncomfortable. Parents said despite the fact that an independent consulting firm plans to take steps to control the mold growth it discovered in the school, they are still concerned about health issues for students.
NEWS
By Joe Burris, The Baltimore Sun | January 28, 2012
A consulting firm hired by Anne Arundel County schools to test air quality at Edgewater Elementary School will meet with the school community on Tuesday. Ed Light, president of Ashton-based Building Dynamics LLC, said Friday that the company is conducting comprehensive evaluations and reviewing parents' and staff concerns. He said Building Dynamics will meet with the Edgewater community at 7 p.m. Tuesday and that a report would be issued when the firm's study is complete. Two weeks ago, a group of Edgewater parents, teachers, staff and students gathered at a school board public hearing and implored Anne Arundel school officials to prioritize improvements to the school's aging structure, which they say is fraught with health concerns.