Even short term exposure to SO2 triggers "an array of adverse respiratory effects including bronchoconstriction and increased asthma symptoms. These effects are particularly important for asthmatics at elevated ventilation rates (e.g., while exercising or playing.)" In other words, SO2 likes to attack asthmatic children at play.
The Pekin Times tells us why SO2 is attacking the health of their community.
Power plants and ethanol manufacturers are big emitters of sulfur dioxide, said Rob Kaleel, manager of the air quality planning section at IEPA. He said Aventine Renewable Energy is the largest emitter, but that does not necessarily mean they exceed current regulations placed on industry.
The new standard is 75 parts per billion measured over one hour. The IEPA measured Pekin at 235 parts per billion over one hour.
“We’re way over,” Kaleel said. “I know that’s the highest in the state by far.” He said Pekin barely met the old U.S. EPA standard.
I find it ironic that an ethanol manufacturer with the word "renewable energy" in their company name is the largest SO2 polluter in the area. Nice greenwash. So much for the notion that ethanol is a clean fuel.
But, we know that in Illinois, as with the nation, coal power plants are the top source of SO2 pollution. That includes the nearby Powerton plant, which the Pekin Times points out, is currently being sued for clean air act violations. It's time for Midwest Generation to invest in major pollution control upgrades, or simply shut the dinosaur down.
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When Pekin's major polluters are finally forced to clean up their act I suggest they make one extra investment: A donation to area hospitals for respiratory care and free asthma inhalers. The community has been forced to bear that expense for too long. Let these companies pay for their true costs of operation instead of passing the expense onto the families of Pekin.