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Monitor Air Pollution with the Air Quality Index
Air quality is important to our health. Air pollution like ground- level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to health problems, especially for sensitive groups like seniors, children, and people with lung problems. Ozone harms the respiratory system and worsens respiratory conditions such as asthma. Fine particles also attack the respiratory system and have been linked to heart disease.
Ground-level ozone results from emissions produced by vehicles and industry interacting with sunlight. Fine particulate matter consists of microscopic particles created by natural processes, such as many forest fires, and human processes, such as diesel- and gas- powered vehicles. Loss of industry, regulation, and cleaner engines and fuels have led to declines in ozone and PM2.5. According to the EPA, across the USA, ozone is down 29% since 1980 and PM2.5 has dropped by 42% since 2000.
Still, there are bad air-quality days. When the air quality is poor, people should limit their outdoor activities, but if pollution isn’t always visible, how do you know when the air quality is good? Check the Air Quality Index. The index is divided into six levels of increasing health concern.
You can check the Air Quality Index for your town at www.airnow.gov or sign up for Air Quality Email Alerts for notifications of Air Quality Action Days, when the ozone or PM2.5 levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels, at www. enviroflash.info.
Air Quality Index Categories
Green
Good
Air pollution poses little or no risk to health.
Yellow
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable but those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may be at risk.
Orange
Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.
Red
Unhealthy
Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Some members of the general public may be affected.
Purple
Very Unhealthy
Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
Maroon
Hazardous
Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.
Help spread the word about air quality! You or your organization can play an important role in reducing the impact of poor air quality by working with the Air Quality Partnership of Delaware to educate Delawareans about simple steps that can be taken to “Do Their Share for Cleaner Air.”
For more information about the Air Quality Partnership, visit www.wilmapco.org/aqp.
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