‘You should rethink what you’re doing’
In January, a historic snowstorm spanned several states, blanketing millions of Americans in inches of dust and ice and causing bitter, persistently low temperatures.
As this persistent cold front began to subside, a second, more subtle situation began to “provoke hidden dangers.” WILX.
What’s going on?
In states affected by extremely cold weather conditions, persistently low temperatures caused rapid icing of snowdrifts.
Weeks of snow in Michigan have finally begun to melt, revealing a lesser-known risk.
A study published in the journal 2017 Environmental pollution Little is known about how snow responds to pollutants and snowpack absorbs a wide range of contaminants.
WILX, Dr. He spoke to Dean McFarlane-Parrott, who explained that while the snow remained unmelted for weeks after the storm, “vehicle exhaust, road salt, heavy metals” and other harmful carbon pollution were slowly polluting it.
in New York, WNYW reported similar concerns, adding that locals complained about dog feces buried in the city’s snowdrifts. on February 12 New York Times The report on melting snow in the city noted that this also poses a major pollution risk for many waterways in the region.
Accordingly WTOPResidents in the greater Washington, D.C. area also faced rapidly melting snow and the health risks it posed.
Why is this worrying?
Snowstorms can quickly become dangerous, and because they are often considered emergencies, snowmelt is rarely considered a risk.
Melting snow doesn’t just absorb pollution and release toxins as solid matter. As McFarlane-Parrott warns, toxins released when snow melts create surprisingly high levels of air pollution.
Lansing, Michigan resident Zac Williams told WILX he takes notice of air quality ratings during wildfires, but doesn’t see it as an issue with snowmelt. air quality index It was a risky 118 on Monday.
McFarlane-Parrott said people often don’t realize how dangerous poor air quality can be, especially for vulnerable groups.
“If you can’t transport oxygen well, heart attacks and strokes increase,” he said, according to WILX. “…If young children have asthma as their lung function begins to develop, it will make the condition worse. If the air quality index is high, you should rethink what you are doing.”
What can be done about this?
Awareness increases as extreme weather conditions become more frequent critical climate issuesThe subtle risks posed by snowmelt are more important than ever.
The New York Times suggested ways to reduce the risks, including strategically placing green spaces to absorb runoff before it reaches rivers and waterways.
Researchers are investigating alternatives to road salt to reduce environmental damage, and the Times advised its readers to “shovel first” and “avoid the temptation to over-salt.”
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