Air Quality In Erie, Pa: How Does It Rank?

Erie, Pennsylvania's air quality is generally considered moderate, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 54 as of March 16, 2025. The main pollutant is PM2.5, with concentrations 5.6 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. However, the AQI score has been fluctuating, ranging from a good score of 14 to a moderate score of 62 within 24-hour periods. While the air quality is satisfactory for most individuals, sensitive groups may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure.

Erie's air quality index (AQI)

Erie, Pennsylvania's overall air quality index (AQI) is 54, which is considered moderate. The main pollutant is PM2.5, which is currently 5.6 times the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline value. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, which is a deadly and growing threat to public health. Short-term spikes in particle pollution can kill, and year-round exposure has been linked to a wide array of serious health effects. Particle pollution is especially harmful to sensitive groups, which may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure. However, the air quality in Erie is generally acceptable for most individuals.

The AQI is calculated using the Air Quality Index, which assigns six different levels of health concern to increasing concentrations of air pollution. Each unhealthy air day is given a weighted score, with orange days receiving a weight of 1, red days 1.5, purple days 2, and maroon days 2.5. These daily scores are then added up and divided by three to get a weighted average that is assigned a grade. For year-round particle pollution, grading is based on the national standard for annual PM2.5 of 9 μg/m3. Counties with a design value of at or below the standard are given passing grades, while those at or above 9.1 μg/m3 receive failing grades.

In addition to PM2.5, Erie's AQI also includes measures of PM10 (respirable particulate matter), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), and O3 (ozone). The AQI values for these pollutants are 23, 2, N/A, 2, and 35, respectively.

It is important to note that air quality data and information are subject to change and may be amended at any time. The data may also be influenced by equipment and sensor limitations, resulting in fluctuations and potential inaccuracies.

Particle pollution

In Erie, Pennsylvania, the overall air quality index (AQI) is 54, with a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI of 54, a PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI of 23, a NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI of 2, an O3 (ozone) AQI of 35, and a CO (carbon monoxide) AQI of 2. The PM2.5 concentration in Erie is currently 5.6 times the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline value.

The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report grades counties on the number of days their air quality reaches unhealthy levels on the Air Quality Index. Each unhealthy air day is given a weighted score, ranging from 1 to 2.5, based on the colour-coded Air Quality Index. These daily scores are then averaged and assigned a letter grade. For year-round particle pollution, the grading is based on the national standard for annual PM2.5 of 9 μg/m3. Counties with a design value at or below this standard receive a passing grade, while those at or above 9.1 μg/m3 fail.

While the specific ranking of Erie, PA, in terms of particle pollution is unclear, the Erie-Meadville metropolitan area has been consistently ranked among the cleanest in the US for daily particle pollution and ozone levels.

Health effects of air pollution

Air pollution is a growing threat to public health, with over 4 million early deaths occurring worldwide each year due to outdoor air pollution. In 2019, this figure rose to 6.7 million, with 85% of these deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes.

The health effects of air pollution are wide-ranging and can impact people of all ages, from foetuses to the elderly. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Research has also shown that air pollution can negatively impact brain development in children, with higher PM2.5 exposure impairing children's brains and behavioural development.

Air pollution can also cause a range of respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. The tiny particles in air pollution can travel to the blood vessels and cause inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and stroke. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, COPD, and other pulmonary diseases.

The impact of air pollution goes beyond physical health, as studies have found a strong link between air quality and mental health. People living in areas with poor air quality have higher rates of bipolar disorder and major depression.

While air pollution is a global issue, some areas are more affected than others. Erie, Pennsylvania, for example, has an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 54, with a PM2.5 AQI of 54 and a PM10 AQI of 23. These levels indicate moderate air quality, but the PM2.5 concentration is 5.6 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.

Real-time air pollution data

One source of real-time air pollution data in Erie, PA, is the Air Quality Index (AQI) provided by IQAir. IQAir offers a real-time, 3D animated air pollution map that allows users to monitor the air quality in their favourite places. The map highlights areas of air pollution and provides health recommendations. For example, as per the website, the PM2.5 concentration in Erie is currently 5.6 times the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline value.

Another source of real-time air pollution data is the AirNow program, which provides a map of real-time air quality data for over 100 countries. AirNow offers a Chrome extension and a Firefox add-on that allows users to access real-time air pollution levels for Erie, Pennsylvania, on their desktops or mobile devices. The AirNow program also provides health advice from Beijing Doctor Richard Saint Cyr MD, which can be helpful for understanding the potential impacts of air pollution on health.

Additionally, the American Lung Association provides information on air pollution and its health effects in Erie, Pennsylvania. While the website does not appear to offer real-time data, it provides valuable insights into the health risks associated with particle pollution, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, decreased lung function, and heart attacks. Understanding these health risks is crucial for taking preventive measures and seeking appropriate medical care.

AccuWeather is another source of air quality data for Erie, PA. AccuWeather provides real-time air quality maps and information, including current index values, forecasts, and hourly and daily data. However, it is important to note that AccuWeather disclaims legal liability for the accuracy of the data and advises against relying solely on this information for medical advice. Instead, individuals should refer to official health organisations for guidance on mitigating health risks associated with air pollution.

Overall, these sources of real-time air pollution data provide valuable information for residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, enabling them to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities and potential health precautions. By utilising these resources, individuals can take proactive measures to protect their health and well-being from the potential adverse effects of air pollution.

Grading air quality

Air quality is graded using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is a tool developed by the EPA to communicate information about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI includes six colour-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.

The AQI is calculated using an averaging method, with real-time AQI values based on a NowCast calculation. The AQI reported for ground-level ozone and fine particles (PM2.5) is based on an average of hourly data. The AQI also includes a weighted scoring system, with orange days given a weight of 1, red days 1.5, purple days 2, and maroon days 2.5.

In the case of Erie, Pennsylvania, the overall AQI is 54, which is considered moderate air quality. The main pollutant is PM2.5, with a concentration 5.6 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.

It is important to note that air pollution can have significant impacts on human health. Particle pollution, in particular, has been linked to a wide array of serious health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Climate change also enhances the conditions for ozone pollution and makes it harder to clean up communities with high ozone levels. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor air quality and take steps to improve it.

Frequently asked questions