Summer Sunshine may bring Air Quality Concerns

It’s the time of year when the sun is strong, the weather is warm and air pollution can rise. Even though air quality has improved significantly over the past several years, there may still be days when it is necessary to issue Air Quality Alerts because air pollution might reach levels the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) considers “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Sensitive groups include children, active adults, and people with respiratory or heart conditions.
The Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD), Evansville Environmental Protection Agency (EEPA), Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District, and the Indianapolis Department of Sustainability team up to forecast daily air quality.
Air quality forecasts are uploaded to the USEPA AirNow, emailed to area media, and made available on several websites (see list below). You can also register to receive the daily air quality forecast free by e-mail via “Enviroflash” http://evansville.enviroflash.info/.
In southern Indiana, two air pollutants can cause concern: Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM2.5). When the Forecast Team believes pollution levels could reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”, we will issue an Ozone Alert, a Particulate Alert or a combined Alert.
The purpose of air quality alerts is to let people know in advance about the potential for elevated air pollution in order to give them time to plan their activities appropriately to minimize risks to their health.
Air Quality Index
Ozone 8-hr Avg. 24 hr. Avg. Good
0-59 ppb 0-12.0 μg/m3
Moderate
60-75 ppb 12.1 – 35.4 μg/m3
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
76-95 ppb 35.5 – 55.4 μg/m3
Unhealthy
96-115 ppb 55.5 – 150.4 μg/m3
Very Unhealthy
116-374 ppb 150.5 – 250.4 μg/m3
HAZARDOUS
>375 ppb >250.5 μg/m3
The Forecast Team distributes Air Quality Alert notices widely; however, we could use the help of the media to reach a broader audience. Please include information about Air Quality Alerts in your news and weather sections and help people protect their health during pollution events.
More at: National Air Quality maps and health effects: www.airnow.gov
Current air quality monitoring in Indiana: http://www.in.gov/apps/idem/smog/
Local air quality forecasts and information:
VCHD: http://vanderburghcounty.in.gov/index.aspx?page=1670
EEPA: http://evansville.in.gov/index.aspx?page=1727
To sign up for Air Quality Alert emails: dbergman@evansville.in.gov
For more information, or to request an interview, contact Sustainability Energy & Environmental Quality Dir. Dona Bergman at 812-435-6148.