Understanding Air Quality: What You Need to Know
Learn how the air you breathe impacts your health and what you can do about it
Summer is here, bringing warmer temperatures and sunshine. While sought after, such weather conditions unfortunately are linked to poor air quality as less wind and more sun allow pollutants to settle where they can be inhaled or form smog. Air pollution is a global concern, linked to health problems like asthma and other Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and environmental damage. According to IQAir, fewer than 10% of countries met the World Health Organization’s air quality standards for particulate matter in 2023.
Last June, the US faced its worst toxic air pollution from wildfire smoke coming from Canada, especially affecting New York. The Canadian wildfires highlighted the urgent need to address air quality issues. Western states have dealt with air quality concerns from wildfires for years, developing strategies to manage the effects of smoke on public health and the environment. Now, New York and other parts of the country must act. This was not an anomaly but a warning of what may come, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and robust air quality management plans nationwide.
Understanding air quality, its sources, and its impacts is crucial for healthier communities and a healthier planet.
What Exactly is Air Quality?
Air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air is around us. It is measured by the presence of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among others. These pollutants come from various sources and negatively affect health and the environment.
Where Does Air Pollution Come From?
Air pollution comes from both natural and human-made sources. Natural sources include wildfires, volcanic eruptions, dust storms, and pollen. However, human activities are the main contributors to air pollution.
Transportation is a major source, with vehicle emissions releasing nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter. Industrial processes also play a big role, as factories and power plants emit sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Household activities, such as burning fossil fuels for heating and cooking and using certain household products, also add to both indoor and outdoor pollution.
Human actions significantly affect wildfires, as people start most of them. Land use practices and human-caused climate change increase the risk and intensity of wildfires. To combat these issues, adopting sustainable practices is crucial. Electrifying transportation, using public transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels can improve air quality and help mitigate climate change, ultimately protecting our environment and public health.
How Poor Air Quality Impacts Your Health
Poor air quality can cause serious health problems. Short-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma, and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure can cause chronic diseases like COPD and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular problems. Vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and those with pre-existing conditions, are at higher risk.
How Do We Measure and Monitor Air Quality?
The Air Quality Index (AQI), developed by the EPA, is a scale that indicates air quality. It ranges from 0–500, where lower values represent good air quality and higher values indicate worse conditions. The color-coded scale goes from green (good) to maroon (hazardous). Monitoring stations across the country measure pollutants like PM2.5, ozone, NO2, SO2, and CO. Tools like the EPA’s AirNow offer public air quality data, allowing people to take precautions to protect their health.
How Can We Improve Air Quality?
Improving air quality requires collective effort at both individual and community levels. Groundwork Hudson Valley is leading educational and engagement activities to raise awareness and promote safety while conducting community-based monitoring in Yonkers.
- Personal Actions: Stay safe and informed. Use tools and apps like the EPA’s AirNow to check the AQI regularly — just like one checks the weather for rain. Limit outdoor activities on poor air quality days. Use air purifiers, clean your A/C filter, and keep windows and doors closed when the AQI is above 100.
- Policy and Community Efforts: Support and advocate for clean air regulations that limit emissions from industrial sources and vehicles. Promote the development of green spaces and urban forests. Participate in community initiatives aimed at monitoring and reducing pollution.
Air quality is a critical issue that affects both our health and the environment. Understanding the sources and impacts of air pollution and taking proactive steps to reduce it allows us to contribute to raising awareness and advancing policies and actions that promote healthier communities and a cleaner planet. Groundwork Hudson Valley is taking steps to expand the urban tree canopy in Southwest Yonkers to improve local air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve the quality of life of our community.
Stay updated on Groundwork Hudson Valley’s air quality initiatives by signing up for our newsletter at Groundwork Hudson Valley Air Quality.
If you are interested in borrowing an air quality monitor, contact us at info@groundworkhv.org with the subject: Airbeam Monitor.
