Watching the Skies

Helpful information regarding what Ozone and Particulate Matter is, in relation to air irritants and regional air quality. This is taken from a public information statement by the National Weather Service in Burlington Vermont. Tampa was subject to Particulate Matter 2.5 problems in the summertime quite frequently. So far out here in the DFW Metroplex I have seen numerous Ozone air quality alerts sent out.

…Today is air quality awareness day across the north country…

The National Weather Service office in Burlington Vermont has
designated today as air quality awareness day across in northern and
central Vermont and northern New York. This day was established to
remind persons in the north country of the importance air quality
and air quality forecasts can play in their daily lives.

There are two kinds of pollutants commonly found in our area. The
first is ozone…which is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile
organic compounds are heated by the sun. As a result…ozone levels
are usually highest in the Summer. The second pollutant is known as
particle pollution…which consists of microscopic particles in the
air. Not only is particle pollution a problem in the Summer…it is
also found in the winter due to wood smoke from stoves and furnaces.

Ozone and particle forming pollutants come from a wide variety of
sources…including cars…buses…power plants…and industries.
Natural sources such as wildfires and duststorms contribute to
particle pollution. Trees and other vegetation also emit organic
compounds that contribute to particle and ozone pollution.

Weather plays a big role in The Levels of ozone and particle
pollution. Sunlight and heat promote ozone formation. Light wind and
temperature inversions can keep pollution concentrated near the
ground. The wind can bring in more pollution…sometimes from
hundreds of miles away. Geography can affect pollution levels too.
Mountain ranges can prevent pollution from dispersing…with the
pollutants settling in the surrounding valleys.

Exposure to high levels of ozone and particle pollution is linked
with a number of significant health problems. Children…people with
lung disease…older adults…and people with heart disease tend to
be more vulnerable. When pollution reaches high enough levels…the
air can be unhealthy for everyone…especially those who are active
outdoors.

Use the air quality index and daily air quality forecasts to help
you determine when pollutant levels are high and what steps you
should take to protect yourself. The aqi is a color coded scale that
tells you who will be most affected by current or forecast pollution
levels. Local air quality forecasts and the aqi can be found at
www.Airnow.Gov. Comprehensive air quality predictions from NOAA can
also be found at www.Weather.Gov/aq.

You can help reduce pollution by following these steps…

Carpool or use public transportation.
Delay using lawn mowers and other gasoline powered lawn equipment
until later in the day.
Avoid burning leaves…trash…and other materials.
Keep your car in good maintenance and get regular tune ups.

For more information…visit www.Airquality.NOAA.Gov