Air Pollution and You

Moderate concentrations of ozone and particle pollution (soot) in the air make it more difficult for older adults, young children and those who suffer from heart disease and respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema to breathe. High concentrations of ozone and soot can make breathing difficult for health adults. When inhaled, ozone and particle pollution inflame the lining of our lungs, causing coughing, wheezing and serous asthma attacks in asthma sufferers. Also, numerous studies have linked particle pollution to various forms of heart disease and even premature death.

Most of our local TV statopmsdisplay the air quality index (A & I)for the day during the weather forecast. The Columbus Dispatch also prints the AQI on the weather page of the newspaper.  Ozone and particulate matter levels are displayed using a color coded system.  If the (AQI) is GREEN, the air quality for the day is good.  If the AQI is YELLOW, the level of contamination is moderate.  At this level, very sensitive people may react to the pollution in the air, and they may need to restrict their activities.  If the AQI is ORANGE, the level of air contamination is high enough that people with asthma and other respiratory diseases should restrict their activity.  A RED AQI means that the air is unhealthy.  Children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses or heart disease should limit the amount of time spent outside on those days.  A PURPLE AQI is very unhealthy! People with heart disease, asthma, and the elderly should stay indoors.  Healthy adults should restrict any activity that requires prolonged physical exertion. 

To see today's AQI, please click HERE.

Helpful Links and More info on Air Pollution

Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution
This fact sheet provides information for people with asthma on understanding and using outdoor air quality warnings.

Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission
http://airquality.morpc.org/

Outdoor Air Pollutants - Particulates and Ozone
Providing useful info on particulates and ozone in Central Ohio.

United States Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/

What You Can Do To Clean The Air (from the EPA)
http://www.epa.gov/air/actions/