Air Quality Index Forecasts Available Year-Round

Information on air quality is available year-round in more than 100 U.S. cities and at www.epa.gov.airnow. As part of an ongoing effort to protect the American public from air pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency, together with state and local governments, includes daily information on particle pollution in air quality forecasts.

Monitoring and emissions data show tremendous air quality improvement over the past three decades, but there’s more to do.  As the work progresses, the expanded Air Quality Index forecasts will help millions of people protect their health – especially people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children.

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a color-coded system designed to inform the public about daily air pollution levels in their communities. During the summer months, local broadcast meteorologists in nearly 300 U.S. cities use the AQI to provide daily ozone forecasts as part of their weather casts.

Unlike ozone pollution, which is known to be highest during the summer months, particle pollution can vary throughout the year. While unhealthy levels occur on only a limited number of days, the expanded AQI forecasts give people the information they need to protect their health all year.

“Particle pollution” refers to a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets found in the air. Particles can be emitted directly – such as in smoke – or form when gases react in the atmosphere. Particle pollution comes from a number of sources, including cars and trucks, industry, fires, and power plants. Some of these particles, known as fine particles, can reach deep into the lungs, where they can affect both the lungs and the heart.

The EPA has already taken a number of actions to reduce particle pollution, including setting standards for cars and heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses.  The EPA’s annual air trends report and latest acid rain data show steady and significant air quality improvement.  Since 1970, emissions of the six principal air pollutants have been cut 48 percent.  According to EPA acid rain program data, in 2002 sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants were nine percent lower than in 2000 and 41 percent lower than 1980. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from power plants also continued a downward trend, measuring 4.5 million tons in 2002, a 13 percent reduction from 2000 and a 33 percent decline from 1990 emissions levels. 

High levels of particle pollution can affect the health of nearly every American, however certain groups, including people with heart or lung disease; older adults; and children, can also be at risk at lower levels. Particle pollution has been linked to asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, changes in heart rate, arrhythmias and heart attacks, among other health problems.

Air quality forecasts are available on local television stations, on state and local air quality agency web sites, on USA Today’s weather page and on The Weather Channel. Forecasts, health information, and maps showing real-time particle levels also are available on EPA’s AIRNow web site, at www.epa.gov/airnow.

To Visit The EPA Website Click Here.