What are the health effects of air pollution?
Air pollution can affect everyone, no matter the status of your health. Some people will
experience some kind of air pollution-related symptoms such as watery eyes, coughing, and
wheezing. People with respiratory conditions such as emphysema or asthma are the ones
who will be affected first. Small children can be placed in this first category as well,
because children breathe at a much faster rate than do adults, thereby inhaling more
polluted air. But healthy people can experience breathing difficulties during vigorous
outdoor exercise, such as running, or during strenuous work activities. The risk that
you face is dependant upon your own individual health, the type of pollutant and
concentration, and the length of exposure.
What influence does Johnson County have on the metro's air quality?
Wind patterns during the summer months tend to come from the southwest, as if following I-35
through the area. Since Johnson County is on the upwind side during an average summer day,
ozone levels will usually be lower in Johnson County than in other parts of the bi-state
region. But emissions from commercial/industrial sources and cars in Johnson County can be
transformed into ground-level ozone by the time they reach the northeastern areas of the
metro. That's why the ozone monitors in Liberty, Watkins Mill State Park, and KCI (all
located in Missouri) usually have the highest readings.
What is the department's procedure upon receiving a complaint?
When we receive an air quality complaint, we try very hard to respond to it within 24
hours although most responses are much sooner than that. In order to be most effective,
it's important that we receive a complaint as soon as the problem occurs, if possible,
so we can observe it in progress. Someone from our staff will respond to the scene of
the complaint and investigate the source of the complaint to determine if any air
quality regulations have been violated. Assuming a regulation has been violated, the
offender could receive a "Notice of Non-compliance" for a minor violation.
More serious violations are referred to KDHE for review and possible enforcement action.
KDHE has the authority to issue a monetary fine against the offender if they find the
violation is severe or is a repeat violation.
What are the most common complaints received by the department?
Mold, by far, is the basis for most complaints to the air quality program. Indoor air
in general is the source of most complaints.
Odors are another source of complaints, although odors are usually not regulated. The
City of Lenexa is the only city in Johnson County that does have an odor ordinance. Odors
are a very difficult issue to regulate, as an odor which is offensive to one person may be
perfume to the next person. The human nose can detect some odors in parts per trillion,
far below any health standard that may exist for any specific chemical. However, odors
can also be an indicator that a problem exists at a company, possibly due to equipment
breakdowns. Each complaint, no matter what type, is evaluated and discussed with the
complainant. We do our best to solve the situation.
Are complaints confidential?
The only way that a complainant can be assured of confidentiality is to remain anonymous.
The department investigates all complaints, anonymous or otherwise. While staff do not
voluntarily give out complainant information, our files are open to the public and may
be reviewed upon request.
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Where can I dispose of an old refrigerator, dehumidifier, air conditioner,
etc.?
Before you can dispose of an unwanted refrigerated appliance, you must take steps to
remove any refrigerant from the appliance. Do not attempt to remove refrigerant or
compressors yourself. Improperly handled refrigerant may result in physical harm. There
are companies that will do this for you for a fee. Once the refrigerant has been removed,
the appliance can be disposed of in a landfill or taken to a metal scrap yard to recycle
the metal.
How do I find a company that will remove the refrigerant?
The Clean Air Act regulations require that anyone who removes the refrigerant must
be certified to do so or risk enforcement action. There are many companies in our area
who have been certified by EPA. See our section on
refrigerated appliance disposal to search for one.
What is so bad about the refrigerant?
Refrigerants containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and
methyl chloroform are restricted because of the risk of depletion of the stratospheric
ozone layer through the release of chlorine and bromine. Depletion of the ozone layer
results in increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which in turn can lead
to a greater chance of cataracts, skin cancer, and immune suppression.
What happens to my old appliance once I dispose of it?
There are three possibilities: resale, recycle or landfill. If the appliance is in
working condition it may be refurbished and resold domestically or abroad to developing
countries. Appliance re-sale should be avoided due to the large amounts of energy these
older appliance consume. Recycling the appliance typically entails recovery of refrigerant
and removal of hazardous components followed by shredding of evacuated appliances. Metal
components are typically separated and recycled, while glass, plastics and polyurethane
foam are typically sent to a landfill. Because there are no legal requirements for foam
recovery, the blowing agent contained in the foam insulation is emitted during shredding
and landfilling—thus contributing to ozone depletion and to global climate change.
How do I find a more efficient refrigerated appliance?
Consider replacing your old refrigerator or freezer, as well as other household
appliances such as your dishwasher, clothes washer, or many others, with ENERGY STAR
appliances. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use
10–50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your
utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient
ENERGY STAR model. Visit the
Energy Star website for more details.
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What influence does Johnson County have on the metro's air quality?
Wind patterns during the summer months tend to come from the southwest, as if following
I-35 through the area. Since Johnson County is on the upwind side during an average
summer day, ozone levels will usually be lower in Johnson County than in other parts
of the bi-state region. But emissions from commercial/industrial sources and cars in
Johnson County can be transformed into ground-level ozone by the time they reach the
northeastern areas of the metro. That's why the ozone monitors in Liberty, Watkins Mill
State Park, and KCI (all located in Missouri) usually have the highest readings.
Is it safe to exercise during the air quality alerts I see on the weather casts
on TV?
During a Yellow Alert, unusually sensitive people may begin to notice effects on
their breathing and should take adequate precautions.
During an Orange Alert, people in sensitive groups, such as active children, asthmatics,
and those with other respiratory problems should be cautious.
During an Ozone Alert, the air quality is such that strenuous activity for even healthy
people may produce stress on the body. If you must exercise, do so in the morning before
the ozone levels increase to unhealthy levels.
What's the difference between good ozone and bad ozone?
"Good" ozone in the upper atmosphere occurs naturally. It is a protective
layer that screens out harmful ultraviolet rays. "Bad" ozone at ground-level
results from pollution that reacts in the presence of sunlight. It can harm people with
respiratory disease, children, and healthy adults that exercise outdoors. It also can
harm vegetation and break down materials with rubber compounds.
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When does the federal or state asbestos regulations require asbestos-containing
materials (ACM) to be removed?
Presently, the federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kansas
Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulations require that regulated
asbestos-containing materials
(RACM) must be removed prior to the demolition of any building or structure or prior
to any renovation where the RACM would be disturbed.
What is a friable asbestos-containing material?
Friable ACM is any material containing more than one percent asbestos (as determined by
Polarized Light Microscopy) that, when dry, may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to
powder by hand pressure.
What is non-friable ACM?
Non-friable ACM is any material containing more than one percent asbestos that,
when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. EPA
has divided non-friable ACM into two categories. Category I non-friable ACM are vinyl
asbestos floor tile, asphalt roofing products, packings, and gaskets. These materials
rarely become friable. All other non-friable ACM are considered category II non-friable
ACM.
Must I remove category I non-friable ACM prior to demolition or renovation?
Under normal circumstances, category I non-friable materials need not be removed
prior to demolition or renovation because generally these materials do not release
significant amounts of asbestos fibers, even when damaged. This is not, however, a hard
and fast rule. If category I materials have become friable or are in poor condition,
they must be removed.
Must I remove category II non-friable ACM prior to demolition or renovation?
These materials should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If category II
non-friable ACM are likely to become crushed, crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder
during demolition or renovation, they must be removed before demolition or renovation
begins.
Who can remove or encapsulate friable ACM in the state of Kansas?
Contractors who have been licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Who can remove category I non-friable asbestos-containing floor tiles and
roofing products and category II non-friable asbestos-containing transite siding or
panels?
The removal of category I and II non-friable ACm does not require licensure as long
as the method selected to remove the ACM does not cause the materials to become friable.
Generally, you want to avoid any method that would subject the ACM to sanding, sawing,
cutting, abrading, crushing, crumbling or pulverizing.
What regulations apply when a residence is being renovated?
Residential property is defined as four or fewer units within a building. Under this
definition, the EPA regulations would not apply. But if the residence contains more than
four residential units or will be used as a public or commercial facility, the EPA asbestos
regulations would apply. Also, the state asbestos regulations would apply if three or more
square or linear feet of friable ACM would be physically removed in the residence.
Can a building be burned that contains ACM?
No. If the building or structure contains ACM, all ACM must be removed prior to burning.
Also, the air regulations prevent the burning of a building or structure without obtaining
approval from the Johnson County Air Quality program. Visit the open burning section of
this website for more information.
What are the proper procedures for the disposal of friable ACM?
Both the EPA and state regulations require friable ACM to be placed in leak-tight
containers which have the required warning labels on the exterior of the waste bags. The
state regulations further require the waste bags be of clear 6 mil plastic sheeting. The
state licensed municipal landfills can dispose of asbestos. Contact the local landfill
for instructions on disposing in their facility.
How does one dispose of asbestos-containing floor tile, roofing products, and
transite materials?
These materials can also be placed in the local municipal landfills. Since many of the
landfills have specific local requirements, we suggest you contact the landfill directly
to obtain information on their individual procedures. As a minimum, these materials
should be containerized for transporting purposes.
What will happen if I violate either the EPA or state asbestos regulations?
Under the federal Clean Air Act, EPA recommends fines up to $25,000 per day per
violation. These fines can be assessed against the building owner, the contractor who
is performing the activity, and any other individual who has responsibility for the
renovation or demolition project. EPA may also bring criminal charges against violators.
Some owners and operators who have knowingly violated the asbestos NESHAP have been
sentenced to prison terms. Under the state statutes, KDHE can assess a fine up to
$5,000 per day per violation.
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When is mold a problem?
You can generally tell if you have mold when you smell a "musty" odor and/or
see small black or white specks along your damp areas. This could be in the bathroom,
basement, ceilings or interior walls. Mold is often found in areas where water has
damaged building materials and furniture from flooding or plumbing leaks. If you have a
mold problem, you have an excessive moisture or water problem. Mold can be hidden,
growing behind wall coverings (like vinyl coated wallpaper) or ceiling tiles. Even dry,
dead mold may cause health problems, so always take precautions when you suspect mold.
If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action
to control its growth.
Is mold regulated?
For the most part, there are no regulations on mold. Mold problems (and other indoor
air problems) are not regulated by the federal Clean Air Act. The only state that
has substantial mold regulations is California. Some states have guidelines and some
have real estate disclosure laws regarding mold. Currently, there are no mold regulations
in either Johnson County or any of the cities within the County.
Can your department help me with a mold problem?
Although mold isn't regulated, the JCED can often provide guidance and advice on how
to deal with a possible mold problem in your home.
What other resources do I have to deal with a mold problem?
If you live or work in leased space, local city or county building codes may be
helpful in some cases. Local codes usually address repairs not made to leaking roofs,
pipes, etc. which may allow water to enter your building. You should contact the codes
officer for your city to determine if repairs of this type are required. There is a
list of city code officers on this site. It is also very important that property
managers or owners are notified immediately (in writing) of such problems in order to
avoid further damage to the property itself.
Can I clean and repair mold problems on my own?
Yes, in many cases. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and
dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, sheetrock or paneling that
are moldy or damaged may need to be replaced. We have received permission to include
an excellent article from The Family Handyman magazine on this site that shows
how to clean and repair mold problems. You will find in the Indoor Air section under Mold.
When should I sample for mold? Can JCED come to my house/office to sample for
mold?
The JCED does not sample for mold. In most cases, you don't need to sample for
mold because you can see or smell mold. The type of mold doesn't matter -- any mold
can cause problems. Even a clean, dry house will have some mold spores, but not enough
to cause health problems. If you smell mold, but cannot see it, it may be hidden
behind wallpaper, under the carpet or in the walls or ceiling. If you suspect you have
hidden mold, be very careful when you investigate. Protect yourself from exposure in the
same manner as you would for a clean-up.
Can I use an air purifier to get rid of mold?
Air purifiers that produce ozone should not be used inside areas where people are
living or working. Ozone is harmful to health. This is the same air pollutant that the
Kansas City region has been trying to reduce for years. In June 2008, we violated the
EPA health standard for ambient ozone. You do not want this in your house or workplace.
There are excellent resources concerning air purifiers in both the links and
publications sections of this website. Look under the Ozone tabs.
Do you think I should clean the air ducts in my home?
There is a document from EPA that addresses this common question and can provide you
with some guidance on the issue. Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
can be found on the Publication page in the General tab.
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How does radon affect my health?
Radon gas is composed of radioactive particles that decay in your lungs. As these
particles decay, they release bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead
to lung cancer. Radon is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in
the United States.
How do I know if radon is a problem in my house?
There is only one way to know -- test. If your neighbors have high or low readings,
that doesn't mean your readings will be the same. You can test for radon yourself or
you can hire a qualified person to test for you. Further information on testing can be
found in our radon section.
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email.
What steps should I follow for a healthy lawn?
The EPA lists these steps toward a preventive health care program for your lawn:
- Develop healthy soil
- Choose a grass type that thrives in your climate
- Mow high, often, and with sharp blades
- Water deeply but not too often
- Correct thatch build-up
- Set realistic goals.
Is there anything wrong with using more fertilizer than the instructions suggest?
Yes. It's very important not to over-fertilize your lawn. You could do more harm
to your lawn than good. Also, the excess fertilizer will be washed away with the storm
water, causing adverse effects on the environment outside your lawn.
What type of grass should I grow?
The right type of grass -- one that suits your needs and likes the local weather -- will
always give better results. If you are putting in a new lawn, do some research to identify
the best grass type for your needs. If you're working with an established lawn that fails
to thrive despite proper care, you might consider replanting with a different grass type.
The
Johnson County Extension Office can help you determine the grass type that is best
for you and your environment.
How high should I leave the grass blade when I mow?
You should mow high -- 3" to 3.5". The type of grass may determine actual
height. Longer grass has more leaf surface to take in sunlight. This enables it to grow
thicker and develop a deeper root system, with in turn helps the grass survive drought,
tolerate insect damage, and fend off diseases. Longer grass also shades the soil
surface keeping it cooler, helping it retain moisture, and making it difficult for
weeds to germinate and grow.
Why shouldn't I water often?
It's best to water only when the lawn really needs it, and then to water slowly
and deeply. This trains the grass roots down. Frequent shallow watering trains the
roots to stay near the surface, making the lawn less able to find moisture during
dry periods. It's true that very lawn's watering needs are unique. They depend on
the local rainfall, the grass and soil type, and the general health of the lawn.
But even in very dry areas, no established home lawn should require daily watering.
The best rule is to water only when the lawn begins to wilt from dryness -- when the
color dulls and footprints stay compressed for more than a few seconds.
What is the best way to water my lawn?
Try to water your lawn in a way that imitates a slow, soaking rain, by using
trickle irrigation, soaker hoses, or other water-conserving methods. It's also
best to water in the early morning, especially during hot summer months, to reduce
evaporation.
Doesn't living in Johnson County mean having a perfect lawn?
It's much more important to protect the air quality of Johnson County by conducting
an environmentally sensible lawn care program. Did you know that a lawn with 15 percent
weeds can look practically weed-free to the average observer? Even a healthy lawn is
likely to have some weeds or insect pests. But it will also have beneficial insects and
other organisms that help keep pests under control.
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How does a hybrid vehicle work?
Hybrid vehicles blend two or more technologies, and in the case of HEVs, it's
the merging of gasoline power with electric power. Today'shybrid cars pair an internal
combustion (IC) engine or gas-powered with an electric motor powered by a nickel
hydride battery. The electric motor assists the gas engine in starting up and
accelerating. Up to 15 mpg and when idling, your car is on electric power alone.
This decreases the use of gas and reduces toxic emissions from the IC engine. What
makes this technology successful over previous attempts is the development of a
braking system that recharges the battery every time you hit the brakes so you
never need to recharge the battery.
What is E-85 fuel?
E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is the most commonly available
blended fuel for use in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).
Ethanol is a corrosive alcohol that will degrade common steel and rubber fuel
system parts on conventional vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles are manufactured with synthetic
and/or composite fuel system parts that can tolerate high levels of alcohol.
Solar systems are expensive. What else can I do to use the sun to help heat my home?
Take the FREE heat. Open curtains during sunny days to let the sunlight in and
warm the house. Remember to close the curtains at night to help hold the heat in.
What should I do to maintain my heating/cooling systems?
The first thing is to make sure it has a clean filter, and make sure both supply and
return vents are clear of furniture, rugs, and curtains, You should have a heating and
cooling contractor do a seasonal check up on your furnace and air conditioner.
I hear so many things on TV and from friends about what to do to my house to save energy.
How do I decide what's best?
Get an energy audit on your home. Sometimes the problems are not readily apparent.
A real energy audit will identify the real problems and eliminate costly guesswork.
Where should I set the temperature on my hot water heater?
Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 120° F or to the
"low" setting. If you can't comfortably hold your hand under the faucet when
the hot water is on, it's hotter than necessary.
My neighbor sets the temperature on his air conditioner very low so the house cools
faster. Does this really work?
NO! When you turn on your air conditioner, set the thermostat at the temperature you
want. Setting it colder doesn't cool the house any quicker. It just wastes energy. Same
with the furnace - only try setting it a little cooler and wear more warm clothing.
Do CLFs contain mercury?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an average
of 5 milligrams - about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By
comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take
100 CFLs to equal that amount. Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs and
is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the
bulbs are intact or in use. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce
mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of
mercury in a CFL is anticipated to drop by the end of 2007 thanks to technology advances
and a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
(source: Environmental Protection Agency)
I heard that my TV uses electricity even when it's turned off. Is that true?
Many modern electronics stay powered up even after you turn them off. That uses
electricity for no purpose. Plug these types of electronics into a power strip with a
switch then turn the power strip off.
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Can I burn leaves, tree limbs, and brush on my property?
State air quality regulations do not prohibit you from burning these types of materials
that grow on your property. No open burning permit or exemption is needed from JCED for
this. However, most city and rural fire districts do require a local
burning permit, and some have banned open burning all together. Check with your local
fire department for further information.
Some types of open burning do require an exemption from JCED before burning can begin.
Please see our section on open burning for guidance and an application.
Do I need a burn permit from the local fire department and Johnson County
Environmental Department?
Each fire department/district has its own permit requirements and all require a
burning permit. Those permits are designed to address fire safety. Nearly all types
of outdoor burning require a permit obtained from your local fire department/district.
JCED issues these permits in accordance with the state regulations on open burning,
which are designed to protect human health and the environment. A permit is not needed
for every type of open burning, but there are some burning activities that do require
a permit. The JCED issues burn permits for such activities as commercial land-clearing,
training fires, emergency disposal of dangerous liquids, and disposal of flammable gases
(such as safety flares at wastewater treatment facilities or landfills).
Does JCED charge a fee for obtaining an open burning permit?
No, but must apply at least 3 business days prior to the scheduled start of
your burning operation. Permits are processed during regular business hours Monday
through Friday.
How long is the permit valid?
JCED generally issues the permit for the anticipated length of the event. For events
such as employee fire extinguisher training, which are usually one-day events, the permit
will only be valid for that day.
When issuing the permit, we may extend the period for a few days more if we know that
bad weather is potentially an issue.
What are the Johnson County regulations on open burning?
Johnson County does not have its own air quality regulations. We enforce the State of
Kansas air quality regulations, which can be found here. These regulations apply in all
cities and the unincorporated portion of Johnson County.
Do I still need to have a copy of my permit at the burn site?
Yes, plus any attachments that were enclosed along with it.
If I'm clearing land for a development, can I just pile up the trees and brush
and burn them?
No. You are required to obtain a permit for our office. The JCED requires that an air
curtain destructor (ACD) be used to control the smoke. They must be operated according to
the manufacturer's manual or lacking that, we provide a guidance document from the
U.S. Forest Service on the proper operation of ACDs. You can find that guidance
on the Air Quality Links page under Open Burning.
What is an air curtain destructor?
| These devices use high-velocity directed across the top of a combustion chamber
(usually a pit dug in the ground) where the wood is burned. The moving air forms a
powerful curtain and traps unburned smoke in the high temperature zone where temperatures
can reach 1,832°F (1,000°C).
As it is trapped under the curtain, the smoke and particulate is re-burned. The
resulting emissions from a properly operating air curtain burner will have an opacity
rate below 10 percent during most operations, as the photograph shows. |
|
 |
Where can I find out if there is a ban on open burning?
Call your local fire department. There is listing of fire departments in our
Open Burning section.
Can I burn household trash in a barrel or some other receptacle?
While this is allowed under state air quality regulations, all of the
fire departments/districts have banned this practice.
Can I burn the insulation of wire or other material in order to recover
the metals for recycling at a salvage yard?
Absolutely not. This is expressly forbidden as it releases gases that can be
very dangerous if inhaled, even in small quantities.
Can I burn old railroad ties, pressure-treated lumber, fence plants, etc.,
in a backyard fireplace or in a furnace for heating purposes?
Absolutely not. Even though a railroad tie may look like all of the creosote is gone,
it is not. Burning any of those items can be very dangerous and is in violation of both
local fire codes and state air quality regulations.
I have an old house and some outbuildings in a rural part of the county. Can
I burn these down in order to avoid disposal costs?
Open burning of structures is subject to state regulations. All structures, including
single family residences, are subject to the State of Kansas Open Burning Regulations,
Kansas Asbestos Control Regulations, and the federal EPA asbestos National Emission
Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) when they are burned for fire training.
JCED can issue permits to local fire authorities for the burning of these structures
as long as it is for training purposes only. The local fire authority must apply to
JCED for a burning permit for this type of training.
Do I need a permit from JCED if I'm just burning off prairie grasses
for agricultural purposes?
No, this is allowed by K.A.R. 28--19-648; please review the regulations.
You will need a permit from your local fire department/district.
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