Chinese exports are increasing due to increased Chinese imports, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine. Their study is unique in that it measures the amount of pollution reaching the American West Coast from China’s export-oriented industrial activities. Steve Davis from UC Irvine Earth System scientist said that although we have outsourced much of our manufacturing, some of the pollution is still reverberating across the Pacific. This paper is a response to the criticisms that Chinese pollution has been causing problems in other countries’ air. It found Los Angeles experiences at most one additional smog day each year, which exceeds federal limits due to carbon monoxides and nitrogen oxides from Chinese factories producing goods for export. Some days up to 25% of West Coast sulfate pollutant pollution can be attributed to Chinese imports. According to the scientists, all of the pollutants identified by the study were key components in the soot and smog that have been shown to cause health problems. The majority of pollution in America comes from American refineries, cars and trucks. But ‘westerlies, which are powerful, global winds, can transport chemicals across the ocean within days. This is especially true during spring. The dangerous rises in contaminants are definitely caused by westerlies. In the Western States, carbon, ozone, and dust may build up in valleys and basins. Black carbon can travel long distances. Black carbon cannot be washed away easily by rain. It persists, and so is an airborne part that travels great distances. There have been many health issues linked to black carbon, such as heart disease, lung disease and asthma. Source: UC California-Irvine. Annually, black carbon pollution is about 1%. Their findings may prove useful to negotiators in the negotiation of clean-air agreements, according to the authors. The pollution has increased significantly in China over the past three decades. Poor pollution control and industrial growth are a dangerous combination that has “declared often fierce international discussions.” Researchers conclude that the product does not contain pollution but created it.
Pollution levels in USA linked to Chinese exports
