Air Quality Awareness Week is May 1-5, 2023
BOSTON, MASS. (May 1, 2023) – With the arrival of warmer weather, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging New Englanders to be aware of the increased risk of fine particulate matter and ozone-level air pollution from the ground (often called smog, when combined) and to take health precautions when smog levels are expected to be high. EPA and the New England States continue to offer free resources for the public to monitor the latest air quality forecasts.
“New England states have made great strides in reducing air emissions, but ozone air pollution remains a significant public health issue in our communities,” he added. said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “New Englanders, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, should pay close attention to air quality and limit vigorous outdoor activity on days when poor air quality is expected air. We also know that many historically underserved communities have suffered exposure to more air pollution over the years and may also experience higher rates of asthma. When air quality is poor, we can all take action individual actions to reduce our emissions that contribute to air pollution, such as reducing energy consumption and driving less.”
On April 13, US EPA Region 1 issued an unprecedented ozone season warning for south central Massachusetts (Worcester, Hampton, Hampshire counties), Rhode Island (statewide) and southeastern Connecticut. Air quality forecasts are published daily by state air agencies in New England. Current air quality conditions and day-ahead forecasts are available daily on the EPA’s AirNow website. People can also sign up to receive “Air Quality Alerts.” These alerts are provided free of charge by EPA and in cooperation with the New England states through the EnviroFlash system that automatically notifies participants (via email or text message) when levels of fine or particulate pollution are expected to exceed ozone in your area are high.
Warm summer temperatures help the formation of ground-level ozone. The current ozone standard, established in 2015, is 0.070 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour average. Air quality alerts are issued when ozone concentrations exceed, or are expected to exceed, this level. The New England EPA office publishes a list of ozone standard exceedances, by date and monitor location, in the current New England AQI.
Although the number of unhealthy days varies from year to year due to weather conditions, New England has seen a significant decrease in the number of unhealthy ozone days over the long term. For the 2015 ozone standard, New England had 118 unhealthy days in 1983, compared to 24 in 2022. This downward trend is primarily due to reduced emissions from power plants and other facilities industrial
The sources of pollution that contribute to the formation of smog are diverse. They include cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses; industrial sources; and the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, especially on hot days. Smaller sources, such as gas stations and printing shops, and household products such as paints and cleaners, as well as gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, also contribute to smog formation.
Here are some actions everyone can take to reduce air pollution:
- Use public transport, bike or walk whenever possible.
- Combine errands and carpooling to reduce driving time and mileage.
- Avoid using small engines that run on gasoline, such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, chain saws, power washers, air compressors, and leaf blowers.
- Avoid outdoor burning, including burning leaves and using campfires and bonfires.
Also, during poor air quality events, it is important to reduce household energy use, such as turning the air conditioner to a higher temperature, turning off unnecessary lights, equipment and appliances. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program also provides trusted guidance and online tools to help homeowners make smart decisions about improving the energy efficiency of their existing homes.
The EPA also continues to take actions to improve air quality. In March 2022, the EPA proposed a federal plan that would reduce pollution from power plants and industrial sources that significantly contribute to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, for millions of Americans who they live downwind of these facilities. This “good neighbor” policy, if implemented, would help air quality in many areas of New England. Also, in March, the EPA proposed a rule that would set new, tougher standards to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines beginning in the 2027 model year. The heavy-duty industry includes delivery trucks, tractor- workshops, school buses and other types of work vehicles that contribute significantly to local, regional and global air pollution. When finalised, these new vehicle standards will help ensure that air pollution levels improve in the coming years.
Poor air quality affects everyone, but those who are active outdoors and/or have respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are more sensitive. When air quality is predicted to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” the EPA and states issue an air quality alert for affected areas. These days, the EPA recommends that people in these areas limit vigorous outdoor activity and asks that the public and businesses take steps to help reduce air pollution and protect public health.
More information:
