Puget Sound residents concerned about air quality, survey finds,
but most don’t know what to do
Aug. 16, 2005 –Many Puget Sound residents are concerned about air quality and are willing to change their behavior to help protect it — if they only knew what to do. That’s according to the results of a recent public awareness survey commissioned by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Nearly half of those surveyed cite air quality as a serious or very serious problem, with less than 10 percent of respondents noting any improvement in air quality over the past five years. An increasing number are worried about global warming and many do not feel that enough is being done to protect the region’s air.
“The survey respondents correctly perceive that the Puget Sound region still faces serious air quality issues,” said Dennis McLerran, executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “While we've done a good job of making the air cleaner, we still have lots of work to do toward reducing air toxics, smog and fine particle pollution. This is especially critical as evolving science links poor air quality to asthma, lung cancer and other lung and cardiovascular problems at lower pollution concentrations than were previously thought to be harmful."
McLerran added, "With global warming emerging as one of our most daunting environmental problems, it is encouraging to see heightened public awareness and concern around this issue. When it comes to climate protection, we really do need to think global — and act local."
People will change if they just know what to do
When asked whether they voluntarily drive less, burn less, or take other actions on days when air quality is poor, some said they did change their behavior. About a third reported cutting back on driving; 48 percent said they curtailed their use of indoor wood burning fireplaces and woodstoves. A much greater number (91 percent) indicated they would do something, if they only knew what to do.
“Our website, www.pscleanair.org, has a wealth of information and ideas for simple, everyday actions individuals can take to make a difference — whether it’s how they get to work, to mow or not mow the lawn, or using a more efficient kind of light bulb.”
Most know cars pollute; are willing to pay more for a cleaner car
When it comes to motor vehicles, nearly 90 percent of respondents recognize emissions from motor vehicles as a major source of air pollution, and understand that auto exhaust also contributes to global warming. More than three-quarters (78 percent) said they would be willing to pay more for a more fuel-efficient car, as long as it meets their personal needs.
“Soon all cars and light trucks will be cleaner and reduce impacts on our changing climate, thanks to legislation recently signed by Governor Gregoire,” said McLerran. “It’s a win-win: the Clean Car Act benefits consumers at the pump with fuel savings, while at the same time helping minimize pollution from motor vehicles.”
Few recognize link between chimney smoke and air pollution
The survey revealed that not many people — a scant 11 percent — are aware of the significance of the air quality impacts of chimney smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces.
“Indoor fires are a source of harmful particulate matter and gases if stoves and fireplaces are not operated properly. They can pose health risks and environmental impacts particularly during the winter,” noted McLerran. “Switching your woodstove or fireplace to natural gas or propane — or upgrading to an EPA-certified wood or pellet stove — can reap big air quality benefits.”
About the survey
The Clean Air Agency conducts a public awareness survey about every three years to gauge public perception about clean air issues, identify changes in attitudes and behavior, and help guide policy decisions.
This survey was administered by PRR, Inc. to a total of 1,200 households, consisting of 300+ households each in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, the four counties served by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. This sample size resulted in an overall margin of error of ± 2.82 percent and county-area margins of error of ± 5.66 percent.
“Overall, we’re very pleased with the results,” said McLerran. “This shows that people in our region understand the connections between clean air and the health of their families, the region, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and that they want to be involved in efforts to protect the air and to reduce our local contributions to global warming.”
Other resources
- Things YOU can do to help clear the air
- How you can drive clean & green
- Indoor burning/certified woodstoves
- Tips on burning clean
- Info on Clean Car Act
- Survey
results in alternate formats
- Executive summary (PDF 0.2 MB)
- Complete report (PDF 0.75 MB)
