PHX air quality (Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale: income, living in, air pollution)

[locolife]

Originally Posted by yukon

We're having air issues here in ABQ from the AZ wildfires. Not blaming anyone, just pointing out how far the pollution from wildfires can spread.

The challenge of being downwind. They've documented LA pollution within the Grand Canyon NP limits in the past. Be happy you're East of AZ instead of LA.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by Voebe

Public transportation isn't considered "feasible" because it doesn't exist in any meaningful way, and because residents refuse to cut back on their cars. You're absolutely right that Phoenix is spread out, to much so, in my opinion. Still, it seems to me that most people live "feasibly" close to their work. People could walk a little, but don't. People could car-pool, but don't. Most people I know have never even been on a bus. It's very much a matter of mind-set.

It probably will never have a public transit mindset as a city like NY or Chicago does. But it's certainly changing, just look at the growth in LRT ridership. And then look at the number of infill housing popping up along the LRT lines. Phoenix is also in the midst of fast tracking new additions to the starter line now.

http://www.valleymetro.org/publicati...ership_reports

[orlfman]

I wish people would stop moving to this state or at least enforce a quota system. This is the desert. None of this should be here in the first place but the fact we managed to build a thriving city in a barren wasteland doesn't mean we can have everyone and the kitchen sink move here. The Phoenix area is bursting at its seams and I don't want us to turn into another craphole that is California.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by orlfman

I wish people would stop moving to this state or at least enforce a quota system. This is the desert. None of this should be here in the first place but the fact we managed to build a thriving city in a barren wasteland doesn't mean we can have everyone and the kitchen sink move here. The Phoenix area is bursting at its seams and I don't want us to turn into another craphole that is California.

People have lived here for hundreds of years. Barren wasteland is a poor way to describe one of the most diverse landscapes in the world and the wettest desert.

Needn't I remind you that Phoenix is at the confluence of three rivers and that the only reason it looks like it does is because we dammed the rivers to support our population and agriculture.

[gravooms]

It sorta rained yesterday & PM-10 levels are somewhat lower today. Yippee! Ozone still high though.

"I can gather all the news I need on the MCDAQ report."
- P. Simon

[gravooms]

Originally Posted by locolife

It probably will never have a public transit mindset as a city like NY or Chicago does. But it's certainly changing, just look at the growth in LRT ridership. And then look at the number of infill housing popping up along the LRT lines. Phoenix is also in the midst of fast tracking new additions to the starter line now.

http://www.valleymetro.org/publicati...ership_reports

Thanks for the informative link, locolife! It is encouraging, but I'm also a little discouraged that overall ridership is down (b/c bus ridership is down). I would still like to see commuter rail (fewer stops & higher speeds than light rail) with incentives to increase ridership. And maybe rooftop and/or track-side solar panels. These would very likely reduce our carbon footprint & improve air quality.

[ElleTea]

Just got yet another air quality alert on my phone, through 9:00 PM Wednesday. It's been a weekly thing for awhile now, and I have been dealing with bronchitis and a cough that will never go away if we don't get a break. I am starting to think it is much worse this year, too. No major fires right now, correct?

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Just got yet another air quality alert on my phone, through 9:00 PM Wednesday. It's been a weekly thing for awhile now, and I have been dealing with bronchitis and a cough that will never go away if we don't get a break. I am starting to think it is much worse this year, too. No major fires right now, correct?

There were fewer air quality alerts when we had all those thundershowers, this is why I look forward to rainstorms here because they wash away a lot of the pollution.

The air quality seems to be worse when it's hot and dry like it has been this week, probably because of more dust in the air.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

There were fewer air quality alerts when we had all those thundershowers, this is why I look forward to rainstorms here because they wash away a lot of the pollution.

The air quality seems to be worse when it's hot and dry like it has been this week, probably because of more dust in the air.

Thunderstorms kick up all that dust, though, so it makes it harder for me to breathe. Never had breathing problems before I moved here in 2014. If thunderstorms around here actually produced any real rain, they might be cleansing, but usually we get 14 drops of DIRT and a whole lotta dust blowing around. Oh and the smell. Must not forget that terrific stench that comes with it!

[BIG CATS]

The dust last night was atrocious. I started wheezing a bit, but couldn't figure why til I peeked outside. Dust everywhere. I didn't even get an alert. And now the humidity is back, too. Yay. So happy!


*feel my sarcasm*