Report Air Pollution: Know The Steps To Take Action

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects people worldwide, with certain communities of colour disproportionately exposed to its harmful effects. To address this problem, various organisations provide tools and resources to help individuals understand and report air quality issues in their respective areas. For instance, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is a widely recognised tool that measures and communicates outdoor air quality, with higher AQI values indicating increased levels of air pollution and associated health risks. The AQI is divided into six colour-coded categories, ranging from good to hazardous air quality. Additionally, reports such as the State of Global Air 2024 and the annual State of the Air by the American Lung Association offer valuable insights into air pollution levels and associated health impacts on a global, national, and regional scale. These reports utilise data collected by official monitoring sites and governments to assess air quality and identify areas of concern. By leveraging these tools and reports, individuals can stay informed about air pollution levels in their regions and take appropriate actions to protect their health and well-being.

Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to communicate to the public about the current and forecasted level of air pollution. It is an essential tool for understanding the health risks associated with poor air quality and taking necessary precautions. The AQI is typically calculated using data from thousands of air quality monitors that track air pollution levels across a region.

The AQI is designed to provide a simple and accessible way to convey information about air quality. It is divided into six categories, each represented by a specific colour and a range of index values. These categories correspond to different levels of health concern, with higher AQI values indicating greater air pollution and increased health risks. For example, an AQI value below 50 typically represents good air quality, while a value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. The AQI categories also come with advice on how to protect your health during periods of poor air quality.

The specific AQI values and categories can vary slightly between different countries and regions, as they are often based on national air quality standards and health protection guidelines. For instance, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) used in Canada is designed to help understand the health impact of air pollution and provides advice on behavioural changes to reduce exposure and improve air quality. Similarly, South Korea uses the Comprehensive Air-quality Index (CAI), which is also on a scale from 0 to 500, with six categories and colour representations.

It is important to note that the AQI is based on large population studies and provides a general guide to air quality and health risks. Individual sensitivities to air pollutants can vary, and some people may be more vulnerable to specific types of pollutants. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly monitor the AQI and pay attention to any symptoms or health changes, especially for those in sensitive groups, such as people with asthma, children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

Reporting air pollution to the EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites the public to help protect the nation's environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. The EPA's Report an Environmental Violation website provides a way to report suspected violations. The EPA also has an Air Pollutant Report, which presents ten years of EPA programmatic air emissions data for a selected facility.

The EPA's mission is to improve the environment and protect human health by ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations, preventing pollution, and promoting environmental stewardship. The EPA uses a combination of enforcement and compliance assistance to prevent and reduce pollution. The EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) is responsible for carrying out this mission.

You can report violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA by visiting the EPA's website or by calling the National Response Center if you witness a chemical or oil spill, pollution discharge, or waste reports regarding agricultural operations. You may also report pollution from interstate commerce, such as railroads, airports, and maritime shipping hubs, to the National Response Center.

In addition to reporting to the EPA, it is recommended to contact your county, state, or local agencies with specific concerns. For example, in the state of Pennsylvania, you can report environmental incidents and hazards to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Using air quality data to identify trends

Air quality data is an invaluable tool for identifying trends and changes in air pollution levels over time. This data is collected from various sources, including outdoor monitors, satellites, and sensors, providing a comprehensive view of air quality on both a local and global scale. By analyzing this data, we can gain insights into the fluctuations and patterns of air pollution, which is crucial for understanding the impact on human health and the environment.

One of the primary ways to identify trends in air quality data is through visualization techniques. Visualizations such as charts, graphs, and maps offer a simplified representation of complex data sets, making it easier to identify patterns and relationships. For example, line graphs can illustrate trends and changes over time, while scatter plots can help identify correlations between different pollutants or environmental factors. Heat maps, in particular, are useful for identifying hotspots and areas with high pollution concentrations.

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, it undergoes preprocessing, which includes cleaning and standardizing the information. This step removes inconsistencies and errors, resulting in data that is consistent and suitable for analysis. Additionally, spatial and temporal analysis techniques are applied to capture variations and trends at different scales, from street segments to entire neighborhoods, and over relevant time periods.

Interactive dashboards and tools further enhance the exploration of air quality data. These tools enable users to filter and compare specific parameters and locations, providing a dynamic and comprehensive understanding of the data. For instance, the State of Global Air Report 2024 offers an interactive app that allows users to explore, compare, and download data and graphics for over 200 countries, tracking trends from 1990 to 2021.

By utilizing these data visualization and analysis techniques, we can identify trends and patterns in air quality, which is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate air pollution and improve overall air quality. This information can also be used to raise awareness, influence policy decisions, and drive actions that promote sustainable practices and a healthier environment for all.

Identifying sources of air pollution

Mobile sources refer to vehicles such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, trains, and ships, which emit pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The combustion of fossil fuels, such as petrol and diesel, in these vehicles contributes significantly to air pollution. In the United States, 35.8% of CO and 32.8% of NOx emissions are attributed to road transport.

Stationary sources include power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, factories, and electric utilities. These sources emit pollutants from a single location and are also known as point sources. The combustion of fossil fuels in industrial processes releases various pollutants, and in the US, stationary fuel combustion sources are responsible for 73.2% of SO2 pollution.

Area sources comprise smaller pollution sources that collectively contribute to air pollution. This includes agricultural areas, cities, construction, and residential buildings. Agricultural activities, such as livestock waste management and fertilizer production, contribute to the emission of methane (CH4) and nitrogen compounds. Residential buildings, on the other hand, contribute through wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, as well as other less obvious sources like cleaning supplies, paints, and inks.

Lastly, natural sources of air pollution include wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanic activity. While these sources do not usually cause ongoing air pollution, they can still have significant impacts. For example, sand and dust storms from deserts like the Sahara can lead to PM2.5 pollution. Additionally, natural sources can interact with human-generated pollution. Wind can carry pollutants over long distances, affecting areas downwind of pollution sources, such as power plants, and leading to increased smog.

To identify air pollution sources, various tools and resources are available. Websites like AirNow.gov provide a daily air quality tracker, allowing users to compare recent Air Quality Index (AQI) values with historical data. Additionally, the State of Global Air Report offers an interactive app with data and graphics on air pollution levels and associated health impacts for over 200 countries, territories, and regions.

Taking action to improve air quality

Air pollution can have a detrimental impact on both your health and the environment. There are actions everyone can take to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

Transportation

• Opt for eco-friendly modes of transportation for short distances, such as walking or cycling. These options are healthier for you and better for the environment, especially if the air quality index is below 100.
• Drive less and consider carpooling, using public transportation, or telecommuting. Vehicle exhaust is a significant contributor to air pollution.
• Keep your car well-maintained to reduce fuel consumption. Fix any exhaust or oxygen sensor problems promptly, maintain correct tyre pressure, and turn off your engine instead of idling, as this creates a hotspot of pollution.
• Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn and garden equipment. Gas-powered engines often lack pollution control devices, and running a lawnmower for an hour can produce as much pollution as a 100-mile car trip.

Household

• Use household chemicals wisely, minimising evaporation and avoiding use when poor air quality is forecast. Properly seal cleaners, paints, and other chemicals to prevent their release into the air.
• Conserve electricity by adjusting your thermostat and air conditioner settings. Participate in local energy conservation programs and look for energy-efficient appliances with the ENERGY STAR label.
• Improve indoor air quality by increasing ventilation. Open windows and doors, use fans, or invest in energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators to bring in fresh outdoor air and reduce indoor pollutants.
• Consider using air cleaners to remove particle pollutants, but note that they are generally not designed for gaseous pollutants. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's directions for effective long-term performance.

Community

• Educate yourself and others about air pollution and the actions that can be taken to reduce it. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, for example, provides guidance and incentives for communities to address air quality issues.
• Plant and care for trees in your community. Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also helping to cool the surrounding area.
• Encourage the adoption of energy-efficient systems and appliances in your community. Support initiatives that promote sustainable practices and reduce pollution from transportation, households, and industries.

Frequently asked questions