The Smog Blog: Beachgoers Alert

If you are heading to the beach this holiday weekend, you may be interested in a novel program instituted in Galveston, Texas.

On high air pollution days, lifeguard stations along Galveston Island beaches display an environmental warning flag, alongside the more traditional flag to warn of rip tides or other unsafe conditions.

The environmental alert flag warns beachgoers of air pollution conditions that could pose a health threat to people with asthma, the elderly, and for people with heart or lung disease.<

The program grew out of a three year study of lung function in lifeguards in the Galveston Beach Patrol. Scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston measured lung function in a group of fit and healthy young lifeguards three times a day using portable devices. They compared the measurements with information in air pollution and weather conditions

Surprisingly, the data showed that even low levels of fine particulates and ozone smog reduced the lung volumes of healthy athletes. In fact, deleterious effects were evident at levels below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

If air pollution can suppress the lung function in a group of hunky lifeguards, imagine the effect on people with lower levels of fitness.

Thaller EI, Petronella SA, Hochman D, et al. Moderate Increases in Ambient PM2.5 and Ozone Are Associated With Lung Function Decreases in Beach Lifeguards. J Occup Environ Med. 2008; 50: 202-211.

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