On this episode of the Sci’more podcast, we discuss the current developments regarding the function of the trash incinerators in the city and how high levels of air pollution can affect our health. We delve into the push to close trash incinerators in the city with a local environmental justice advocate, Mr. Dante Swinton. The organization Mr. Swinton works for, Clean Air Baltimore Coalition, played an instrumental role in passing the Baltimore Clean Air Act in 2019. He details the events that came after the overturning of the act and the next steps. We also hear from public health researcher Dr. Hao Yang Tan, about the negative impacts of dangerous levels of air pollution on our ‘brain’ health. Both experts highlight various ways we can tackle air pollution in the city in terms of policy and advocacy in the long term, and health safety in the short term.
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Links
Baltimore clean air act: https://www.cleanairbmore.org/cleanairact/
Clean Air Baltimore coalition: https://www.cleanairbmore.org/
Effect of high air pollution on mental health: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2109310118
News articles regarding the trash incinerators in the city
News regarding the court ruling that overturned the Baltimore clean air act: https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/environment/bs-md-clean-air-act-ruling-20200327-qjqvgegdrzbqdoecrca4a4jjka-story.html
Recent updates to the trash incinerators: https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-wheelabrator-upgrade-to-lower-emissions/39398045#
Relevant SciMore podcast episodes
Ep12. Seasonal allergies: Are they worse living in a city? https://anchor.fm/scimore/episodes/Ep12--Seasonal-allergies-Are-they-worse-living-in-a-city-e1j5gcr
Ep9. How can better public transit inspire a healthier future for Baltimore? https://anchor.fm/scimore/episodes/Ep9--How-can-better-public-transit-inspire-a-healthier-future-for-Baltimore-e1ddnp7
Music: ‘Lucky Massive Dangerous’ by Speck
Produced and Edited by: Varun Chokshi
Executive Producers: Micheal Xie and Steven Jerjian
With help from: Christopher An and Michael Dryzer