For the next two days.
Or so suggests one of the local kings of sarcasm on one of the neighborhood listserves. Why? The Capitol Times is reporting that the air quality for the next two days is “unhealthy”. As Jim Powell from the Madison Environmental Justice Organization points out:
The operative words in this warning is that the air is unhealthy for children, older adults and those with asthma, heart or lung disease (that is MOST PEOPLE). When such a distinction is made (instead of just saying the air is unhealthy, the warning states that only “sensitive groups” need be concerned), it seems to imply that the air is healthy for other people (“healthy” people). How could this be?
Good point. As someone who seems to be constantly struggling with a cough caused by any myriad of things (new unidentified allergies, winter ailments, possible reaction to my medication?) and who lives a block from MG&E, I’ve been increasingly personally aware of the air I breathe. And the more I become aware, the less aware I wish I was. Its true what they say, ignorance is bliss. First I learned more about the water than I wanted to know, now the air. Great.
And besides, I don’t need another excuse not to exercise this morning. I think I’m going to do it anyways and just be careful!
