Ozone season is right around the corner, and staying informed is key to protecting your health and improving air quality in our community. Ozone season typically occurs from spring through fall, when ground-level ozone pollution reaches its highest levels. Ground level ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created when oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) – pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources – chemically react in the presence of sunlight, and increased heat can amplify this reaction. High ozone levels affect everyone, especially children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions.
Get ahead of the season by signing up for Air Quality Notifications. These alerts will help you plan your outdoor activities and make small changes — like reducing car trips or limiting lawn equipment use — that can make a big difference in air quality. You can also check out the Free AIRNow iPhone & Android Apps: iPhone App | Android App
What is the Air Quality Index?
The U.S. Air Quality Index is a tool developed by the EPA to inform the public about outdoor air quality and its impact on health. It is divided into six color-coded categories, each representing a specific range of index values. A higher AQI value indicates increased air pollution and greater health risk. The colors associated with each category help people quickly assess whether the air quality in their area has reached unhealthy levels.
For more information on how to plan outdoor activities based on the current AQI, see the See the Activity Guides to learn ways to protect your health when the AQI reaches unhealthy levels.
Stay safe, breathe easier, and help keep our air clean. Sign up for Air Quality Notifications today!