AIR QUALITY
It is something that is forever around us. All humans need it to survive. All humans consume it. We share it with other living beings such as mammals. It is something that kills other living species if they consume it. It can be toxic or clean. Above all, it is something most individuals on this planet take for granted because the mechanism in which we use it is more involuntary than it is voluntary. Guessed what it is yet? (if the title of the blog didn't give it away already!). The "it" is air.
Our external environment is not the only factor that impacts our air quality. The choices we make and how we treat the environment around us can negatively impact the quality of our air.
Let's look at a few different constructs of how air quality is analyzed, the implications on the environment and human health.
AIR QUALITY HEALTH CONCERNS
The Air Quality Index (AQI), is one main mechanism researchers use to analyze the levels of air quality and how to quantify potential toxicity. Additionally, these following six levels provide a recommendation as to what is "acceptable" for human health and when to be aware of negative health effects of exposure:
- Good- this level is considered healthy and poses little or no risk in relation to air pollution.
- Moderate- this level is deemed acceptable. The air quality may have some air pollutants and cause small groups health problems.
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups- the general public is often not effected within this level. However, groups of individuals that may have a heightened sensitivity to air pollutants has a risk of experiencing adverse health effects.
- Unhealthy- this level begins to effect everyone. Sensitive groups can experience more profound negative health responses.
- Very Unhealthy- entire population is likely to be effected and considered in a class of emergency response.
- Hazardous- this level is a serious health alert and everyone is likely to experience serious health effects.
AIR QUALITY INDEX FORECASTS
For the state of Ohio, five major cities are listed within the Air Quality Index Forecasts. We will give a brief overview of each.
- Cleveland/Akron/Lorrain- Good-Moderate range 40's-60's
- Youngstown- Moderate-Good (50-55) not much deviation, small range
- Cincinnati- Good-Moderate (40's as the low, and 60 as the high range)
- Dayton- Good-Moderate (40-53 for ozone and pollutant)
- Columbus- Good* (all green levels. 41-50)
STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SIP)
A state implementation plan, also known as SIP, is a collection of regulations that a state will utilize to enforce and take action on to clean polluted areas. This guides state health and other officials to promote proactiveness and support the Clean Air Act.
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)
These standards, enabled by the EPA, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, apply to the outdoor air (and quality) throughout the country.
SIP STANDARDS (OZONE)
- Ozone- 2015's report= 0.070ppm (parts per million)
- Lead- 2008 revision= 0.15ug/m3
- Nitrogen Dioxide- 2010 revision= 100ppb (parts per billion)
- Sulfur Dioxide- 2010= 75ppb (parts per billion)
- PM 2.5- 2012 annual report= 12.0 ug/m3
OHIO EPA
At the state level, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working diligently to ensure the protection and safety of not only the external environment around us, but education on what we can do to change our internal environment as well. Safety regulations, health initiatives, and awareness are all important tools to better enhance our health as it pertains to air quality and safety.
