Air Quality Improvement: What's The Timeline?

Air quality has improved significantly over the last few decades, but there is still a long way to go. Forecasting poor air quality can help limit exposure to harmful pollutants, reduce adverse health effects, and save lives. NOAA and EPA have partnered to develop a national AQF system to provide accurate and timely forecasts to enable people to take action. Individuals can also play a role in improving air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, energy consumption, and open burning, which are major sources of harmful pollutants.

Air quality alerts and forecasts

Air Quality Alerts

Air quality alerts are typically issued when the air quality in a specific area is predicted to deteriorate, posing potential health risks to residents. These alerts are particularly important for individuals with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children, who may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. In the United States, organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local governments play a vital role in monitoring and issuing air quality alerts.

Air Quality Forecasts

Air quality forecasts, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive outlook for the general public. These forecasts offer insights into the expected air quality conditions over a more extended period, typically ranging from a few days to weeks or even seasons. By providing this information in advance, people can plan their activities accordingly, especially if they are sensitive to air pollution. For example, they may choose to limit their outdoor exposure or take necessary precautions when the air quality is predicted to be poor.

Improving Air Quality

The improvement in air quality is often attributed to the implementation of policies and regulations aimed at reducing emissions and addressing pollution sources. Individual actions, such as reducing personal emissions by carpooling or using public transportation, also play a significant role in improving air quality. Even during periods of wildfire smoke, individual efforts can help decrease ozone production and mitigate the overall impact on air quality.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements have significantly enhanced our ability to predict and monitor air quality. High-powered national forecasting technology, such as that utilized by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in the United States, improves the accuracy of local forecasts. This technology aids in predicting the onset, severity, and duration of poor air quality episodes, allowing for more effective preparedness and response. Additionally, ongoing research by NOAA scientists aims to extend air quality predictions to two days or beyond in the coming decade.

Action Days and restrictions

Air quality is a pervasive issue, and while there are no quick fixes, there are specific actions and restrictions that can be implemented to improve the air we breathe. These measures are particularly crucial during periods of heightened air pollution, often referred to as Action Days.

Action Days are designated by air quality management agencies when the air quality is predicted to be unhealthy or when there is an increased risk of pollution levels spiking. These days are typically declared in advance, allowing individuals and businesses to take necessary precautions and adhere to temporary restrictions to

Reducing personal emissions

Transport

Transportation is a major contributor to personal emissions. Opt for walking or cycling for shorter distances, and use public transport, carpool, or commute where possible. When travelling longer distances, consider taking the train instead of a car or plane—a plane emits 285g of carbon per kilometre, compared to a car's 104g and a train's 14g. If you do need to drive, keep your vehicle well-maintained and ensure your tires are at the proper air pressure to keep them efficient.

Diet

Livestock is responsible for 14.5% of man-made global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing your meat and dairy consumption can therefore significantly lower your carbon footprint. Eating local, organic, and seasonal plant-based foods will also reduce the energy needed for transportation and refrigeration. Buying food in bulk and using your own reusable containers will further decrease the amount of waste produced.

Energy use

Turn off appliances when they are not in use, and unplug electronic devices that are fully charged. Use energy-efficient appliances where possible, and reduce your electricity usage, especially for air conditioning, lighting, and heating. Installing a renewable energy system, such as solar panels, can also help to reduce your emissions.

Other

Other ways to reduce personal emissions include:

• Insulating your home
• Planting trees
• Buying responsibly-made clothes, for example, those made from recycled materials
• Opting for direct flights when travelling by plane, as these generally have lower emissions compared to connecting flights

Air quality trends and improvements

Air quality has been a growing concern for governments and citizens alike, with an emphasis on reducing pollutant emissions and improving overall air quality. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been at the forefront of this effort, working to protect public health and the environment.

Since the 1970s, the implementation of the Clean Air Act and technological advancements have led to significant improvements in air quality across the United States. The combined emissions of criteria and precursor pollutants have dropped by 78% during this period, with national average ozone and particulate matter concentrations also decreasing since 1990. This has resulted in a positive impact on public health, as cleaner air reduces the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

The EPA's annual report, "Our Nation's Air", summarizes the country's air quality status and trends through 2021. According to the report, approximately 102 million Americans lived in counties with air quality concentrations above the level of one or more National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2021. However, the report also highlights improving air quality trends. For example, the United States has seen a 292% increase in gross domestic product alongside a 78% drop in air pollutant emissions since 1970.

The Regional Haze Rule, published in 1999, plays a crucial role in preserving and improving visibility in Class I areas, which are known for their pristine conditions. This rule requires states to identify effective strategies to maintain optimal visibility and gradually enhance visibility when it is impaired. Additionally, the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments have led to significant public health benefits by reducing air toxics emissions from industrial facilities and transportation.

Despite these improvements, air quality remains a concern in certain regions, such as Denver's Front Range. Local governments, like the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, have implemented programs like the Summer 2025 Ozone Action Day Alert Program to address this issue. These initiatives, combined with individual efforts to reduce personal emissions, are crucial in the ongoing battle to improve air quality and protect public health.

Air quality issues and health

Air pollution is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, which can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body, impacting the lungs, heart, and brain, among other organs.

The health impacts of air pollution depend on the types, sources, and concentrations of pollutants in the mixture to which an individual is exposed. However, both ambient and household air pollution can have similar health risks and disease pathways due to their similar composition. Short-term exposure to higher levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with reduced lung function, asthma, and cardiac problems. Research has shown that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. People in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods and communities may also be more vulnerable due to various factors.

Long-term or chronic exposure to fine particulate matter increases the risk of diseases with a longer onset, such as non-communicable diseases including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. In addition, air pollution has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and small gestational age. Other health issues associated with air pollution include cognitive impairment, neurological diseases, and an increased risk of developing dementias, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

To address these health concerns, various strategies and interventions are being implemented. For example, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) supported a project called "Addressing Air Pollution and Asthma", which aims to improve the health of children with asthma. The project combines the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners with a home-based education program to reduce children's exposure to pollutants. Additionally, community-level tactics and public policies have been developed to reduce exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), such as improving urban design by incorporating more green spaces and creating active travel options like bicycling and walking paths.

Frequently asked questions