Don’t throw out those swine flu masks just yet.
Los Angeles has the highest level of smog in the United States, according to recent testing by the American Lung Association.
The battle over smog levels in California has pitted environmental activists against those concerned about the economy in Los Angeles.
Smog is formed from nitrogen oxides and various organic compounds that combine to create ground-level ozone, said Shane Que Hee, a professor of environmental health sciences at UCLA who specializes in industrial hygiene.
The compound can have harmful effects on the lungs such as sudden asthma attacks, bronchitis, lung infections and even lung cancer, he said.
But students can play a part in reducing smog levels.
“Students are great role models and can point things out by creating organizations that can watch over homes, industries and recreational areas,” Que Hee said.
Recent controversy has been raised about what California should do to reduce smog levels.
In 2006, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the Global Warming Solutions Act, or AB32, which aims to reduce air pollution in California.
However, those supporting the California Jobs Initiative believe AB32 only exacerbates California’s already unstable economy by raising taxes, according to a statement released by the group earlier this year.
“Recent national polling shows some 71 percent of the people supporting suspension of efforts to address global warming until our economy comes back,” said Edward Costa, CEO of People’s Advocate Inc., a group focused on lowering taxes and reducing government spending, in a letter to Schwarzenegger.
But some student groups believe environmental measures do not necessarily conflict with economic growth.
With every environmental issue, there is potential for economic stimulus, said Rebecca Miller, a fourth-year anthropology student and chairwoman of UCLA’s Ecology, Economy, Equity.
“Why are we perpetuating the situation when we have the resources and potential to make Los Angeles a cleaner place to live?” she said.
Environmental initiatives can create jobs and improve living conditions for the people who suffer most, Miller said.
“Wealthier people use more resources and contribute more to smog, but poorer individuals are going to suffer the most because of where they live and the cost of health care,” she said.