Tampa's Air Quality: What's The Main Pollutant?

Tampa, Florida is the third most populous city in the state, with nearly 400,000 inhabitants. It is a major hub for healthcare, insurance, tourism, real estate, and large corporations. The city's port area, population, and industrial activities contribute to Tampa's air pollution levels. While Tampa's air quality is generally considered satisfactory, with an annual PM2.5 reading of 8.8 μg/m³ in 2020, there are months with higher pollution levels. The primary air pollutant in Tampa is PM2.5, fine particulate matter that irritates the eyes, nose, and respiratory system and can aggravate heart and lung diseases.

PM2.5 count

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in width. These particles are so small that they can only be detected with an electron microscope. They are often made up of sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and/or water.

In Tampa, Florida, the PM2.5 count is currently 1.6 times the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline value. In 2020, Tampa's yearly average PM2.5 reading was 8.8 μg/m³. This placed it within the World Health Organization's target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less for the best quality of air. However, there were months in 2020 when Tampa's PM2.5 count was higher, indicating a larger amount of smoke, haze and other air contaminants. For example, in March, the reading was 10 μg/m³, placing Tampa at the upper limit of the WHO's target bracket. In April, the reading was 10.8 μg/m³, which was the only month of the year to reach a 'good' pollution rating.

Tampa's PM2.5 count is influenced by a variety of factors. As a major city with a significant presence in industries such as healthcare, insurance, tourism and real estate, Tampa experiences high levels of anthropogenic activity, which negatively impacts the quality of the air. Tampa also has a sizeable port area, and large corporations headquartered within its limits. Other sources of pollution include construction sites and forest fires in surrounding regions, which contribute to the amount of hazardous particulate matter and dangerous chemical pollutants in the air.

The PM2.5 count is important as these particles can irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory system, and long-term exposure can aggravate heart and lung disease. They also reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated.

Population increase

Tampa, Florida, is the third most populous city in the state, with around 399,000 inhabitants. It is a major city situated on the west coast of Florida, on Tampa Bay, facing the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa has a significant presence in industries such as healthcare, insurance, tourism, and real estate, with many large corporations headquartered within the city. The city also has a sizeable port area, which contributes to its economic importance.

The population increase in Tampa, along with continued anthropogenic activity, has negatively impacted the city's air quality. As the population grows, so does the demand for power and transportation, leading to increased emissions from power plants and factories. Tampa's PM2.5 reading in 2020 was 8.8 μg/m³ as its yearly average, which is within the World Health Organization's (WHO) target goal. However, there are months with less favourable readings, indicating a larger amount of smoke, haze, and other air contaminants.

Tampa's air quality is influenced by various factors related to its population and industrial activity. Vehicular emissions, including those from heavy-duty vehicles and ships docking at the port, contribute significantly to air pollution. The increased demand for transportation of goods and industrial products with the growing population leads to more vehicle emissions. Additionally, construction sites and forest fires in surrounding regions release hazardous particulate matter and dangerous chemical pollutants, affecting the air quality in Tampa.

The combination of population growth, industrial activities, and other factors has led to Tampa's air quality being ranked 3213th out of all cities worldwide in 2020. While the city's air quality generally falls within the acceptable range, there are periods of elevated pollution levels that can pose health risks, especially for sensitive groups such as older adults, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

To address the air pollution challenges in Tampa, it is essential to implement measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality monitoring. This includes promoting cleaner fuel sources, regulating industrial activities, and encouraging sustainable transportation options to reduce vehicle emissions. By taking proactive steps, Tampa can work towards improving its air quality and ensuring the health and well-being of its growing population.

Industrial pollution

Tampa, Florida, is a major city on the west coast of the state, facing the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of almost 400,000 people, it is the third-most populous city in Florida. Tampa has a significant presence in industries such as healthcare, insurance, tourism, and real estate, and is also home to many large corporations. The city also has a sizeable port area. These factors, combined with the increase in population, have resulted in a negative impact on the quality of the air in the city.

Tampa's air quality is monitored by the Air Quality Index (AQI), which reports the air quality of a given location to the public. The AQI value indicates how clean or polluted the air is, and the potential health effects based on current and forecasted conditions. The AQI is measured through a network of air sampling equipment, usually referred to as air monitors. These monitors measure levels of several criteria pollutants, which have the greatest overall health impacts, especially on children, the elderly, and people with lung disorders.

In 2020, Tampa's PM2.5 reading was 8.8 μg/m³ as its yearly average. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause a hazy appearance when levels are high. While this reading falls within the World Health Organization's (WHO) target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less, there are months with higher readings. For example, in March and April, the PM2.5 readings were 10 μg/m³ and 10.8 μg/m³, respectively, placing them at the upper limit of the WHO's target bracket.

Other sources of pollution in Tampa include construction sites and forest fires in surrounding regions, which contribute to the amount of hazardous particulate matter and chemical pollutants in the air.

Overall, while Tampa maintains good air quality, there is room for improvement to reduce air pollution levels and protect the respiratory health of its inhabitants.

Forest fires

As forest fires rage, they emit harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic chemicals released from burning plastics and synthetic materials. These pollutants can persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, posing risks to human health and the environment. Carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless and odourless gas, can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) released during forest fires contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. High levels of ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory system, exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Volatile organic compounds, including benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, can also be released during forest fires, posing additional health risks. These compounds can have both short-term and long-term effects, ranging from eye and throat irritation to more severe impacts on the nervous system and increased cancer risks.

The impact of forest fires on air quality underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate their occurrence and reduce their impact. Strategies such as early detection and rapid response systems, controlled burns to eliminate potential fuel sources, and the implementation of fire safety protocols in surrounding regions can help minimise the frequency and severity of forest fires. Additionally, promoting sustainable land management practices and raising awareness about the causes and consequences of forest fires can foster a collective sense of responsibility in preventing and combating this environmental hazard.

While Tampa's air quality generally meets the World Health Organization's (WHO) target goals, it is evident that forest fires contribute significantly to periods of increased air pollution. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving fire prevention, effective response strategies, and a collective commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding public health.

Construction sites

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to inform the public about the cleanliness or pollution levels of the air in a given location. It also provides information on potential health risks associated with the current air quality. Tampa's AQI readings have fluctuated over the months, with some months showing higher levels of pollution than others. For instance, in 2020, the PM2.5 count—an indicator of the presence of smoke, haze, and other air contaminants—was higher in certain months, including March and April.

To address air pollution from construction sites, regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of Hillsborough County play a crucial role. The EPC is responsible for protecting the environment and the health and safety of the public in relation to air quality. They regulate various sources of air pollution, including industrial factories, power plants, and dry cleaners. The EPC also oversees activities that generate asbestos, noise, dust, or involve open burning.

In the case of construction sites, the EPC's Asbestos Program ensures compliance with federal regulations during demolition and renovation projects. This includes the review of notifications, inspections, and investigations to ensure that best practices are followed when dealing with asbestos-containing building materials. Additionally, the EPC's Air Division issues permits for air pollution sources, setting requirements for testing, facility operations, maintenance, and reporting. These permits help limit air pollution and ensure that pollution sources are properly monitored and inspected.

To further mitigate the impact of construction sites on air quality in Tampa, real-time pollution monitoring solutions are available. For example, Prana Air offers air quality monitoring services for construction sites, providing data cloud storage, web dashboards, mobile apps, and TV displays to help track and manage air pollution levels. By utilizing these tools and adhering to regulatory measures, Tampa can actively work towards reducing air pollution arising from construction sites and improving the overall air quality for its residents.

Frequently asked questions