Alabama Air Pollution: Report It Here

Air pollution is a serious health threat that can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. It is the number one environmental risk factor for premature death and disease worldwide. In Alabama, residents are exposed to pollutants such as ozone and particle pollution, which can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight in newborns. To protect yourself, it is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area and take precautions when necessary. If you witness an instance of air pollution in Alabama, you can report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Department of Health in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County: report to the Department of Health (JCDH)

Air pollution is a serious health threat. It can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. Climate change increases the risk of wildfires, whose smoke spreads dangerous particle pollution. Particle pollution exposure from wildfire smoke can cause mild irritation and serious illness and even lead to premature death. Research has also linked year-round exposure to particle pollution to a wide array of serious health effects at every stage of life.

In Jefferson County, Alabama, residents are encouraged to report air pollution to the Department of Health (JCDH). When submitting a report, it is important to be as specific as possible. This includes documenting the date and time the incident occurred and providing a detailed description of any smells noticed. Visual evidence, such as pictures or videos, can also be helpful in identifying the type and source of the pollution.

To report air pollution to the JCDH, individuals can email their photos, videos, and descriptions to [email protected]. It is recommended to also report the incident to GASP, an organization dedicated to educating the public about the harmful effects of air pollution and providing tools for making healthy choices.

In addition to reporting air pollution incidents, individuals can take proactive measures to reduce their exposure and contribution to air pollution. Monitoring local air quality through websites like www.AirNow.gov and staying indoors on days with poor air quality can help minimize personal health risks. Reducing fossil fuel consumption, participating in local energy conservation programs, and using air purifiers can also help improve air quality.

Submit a complaint to the regulatory agency

If you witness an instance of air pollution in Alabama, you should document it. Take pictures or videos of the pollution, which can serve as evidence of the problem and help identify the type and source of the pollution. When submitting a complaint to the regulatory agency, be very specific. Include the date and time you noticed the air pollution, and if there was a particular smell, try to describe it as best as you can.

In Jefferson County, Alabama, you should report air pollution to the Department of Health (JCDH) by emailing your videos and pictures to report@jcdh.org. You can also call the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) at 800-990-4341 or submit a complaint via their website. ADEM is responsible for monitoring and improving air quality in the state. They track data on ozone and PM2.5 levels and provide daily air quality forecasts via email.

Additionally, you can report air pollution to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA reports air quality through a measurement called the Air Quality Index (AQI). This tool helps individuals understand the level of pollution in the air they are breathing and any associated health concerns. The EPA also proposes amendments to the Clean Air Act, which has successfully driven pollution reduction for over 50 years.

Another organization to contact is the American Lung Association, which is dedicated to improving lung health and preventing lung disease. They release an annual air quality "report card" that tracks Americans' exposure to unhealthful levels of particle pollution and ozone. To speak with an expert about lung health and air quality, you can contact Britney Stewart at britney.stewart@lung.org or 470-233-7030.

Include date, time, and description

Air pollution is a serious health threat, and Alabama residents are no strangers to this issue. While the Clean Air Act has brought about improvements in air quality, there is still work to be done to ensure that communities are protected from the harmful effects of air pollution.

If you witness an instance of air pollution in Alabama, such as a plume of smoke or an unusual smell, it is important to take action and report it. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Document the Evidence:

• Date and Time: Note the date and time you noticed the air pollution. This information is crucial for tracking and investigating the incident.
• Visual Evidence: Take pictures or videos of what you see. For example, if you see a plume of black smoke rising from a factory, document it with visual evidence. This helps identify the source and type of pollution.
• Description: Provide a detailed description of what you experienced. Include any unusual smells, such as the odour of tar or rotten eggs, as these can be indicators of specific types of air pollution.

Submit a Complaint:

• Jefferson County: If you are in Jefferson County, submit your complaint to the Department of Health (JCDH). You can reach them via email at jcdhinfo@jcdh.org. Be as specific as possible in your complaint, including all the details you have noted down.
• Other Counties: For other counties in Alabama, you can refer to the following resources to report air pollution:
• Check the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's website for relevant contacts and information: https://adem.alabama.gov/.
• Utilise the AirNow.gov website to monitor local air quality and stay informed about any alerts or updates: www.AirNow.gov.
• Contact the American Lung Association, a leading organisation working to improve lung health and prevent lung disease:
• Email: Britney Stewart at britney.stewart@lung.org
• Phone: 470-233-7030

Protect Yourself and Others:

• Stay Informed: Check the air quality forecast in your community regularly, especially before planning outdoor activities or exercise.
• Limit Exposure: On days with poor air quality, minimise your time outdoors, especially near busy streets or industrial areas.
• Indoor Air Purification: Consider using an air purifier in your home or office to reduce the impact of outdoor air pollution.
• Reduce Contribution: Individuals can play a part in reducing air pollution by decreasing fossil fuel consumption and participating in local energy conservation programs.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can help raise awareness of air pollution issues in Alabama and contribute to a healthier environment for yourself and your community. Remember to always include the date, time, and a detailed description when reporting air pollution to ensure an effective response.

Provide pictures or videos as evidence

Air pollution is a serious environmental issue in Alabama, with harmful effects on human health and well-being. To address this issue, individuals can take an active role in reporting and providing evidence of air pollution in their communities. When reporting air pollution in Alabama, it is essential to provide pictures or videos as compelling evidence to support your claims. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to effectively capture and submit visual evidence:

Identify Pollution Sources: Before capturing pictures or videos, try to identify the sources of air pollution in your area. Common sources of air pollution include busy highways, factories, and major roadways. By understanding the pollution sources, you can strategically plan your evidence collection.

Capture Comprehensive Visuals: When taking pictures or recording videos, ensure you capture comprehensive visuals that clearly depict the air pollution. Include a variety of angles and distances to provide a complete representation of the scene. For example, if you are reporting traffic pollution, take pictures from different viewpoints, including close-ups of vehicles emitting visible exhaust fumes and wider shots showing the overall traffic flow.

Include Reference Objects: To provide a sense of scale and context, include reference objects in your pictures or videos. For instance, if you're photographing a factory emitting smoke, try to include nearby trees, buildings, or other stationary objects in the frame. This helps viewers understand the height, size, and proximity of the pollution source to its surroundings.

Time and Location Stamps: Whenever possible, ensure your pictures or videos have time and location stamps. This adds valuable context to your evidence, indicating when and where the air pollution occurred. Most modern cameras and smartphones have built-in features that allow you to enable time and location stamps in the settings.

Use High-Quality Equipment: Strive to use the best available equipment to capture your visuals. High-quality cameras or smartphones with good resolution and clear focus can make a difference in the effectiveness of your evidence. Ensure your device is properly maintained and has sufficient storage space before heading out to collect visual evidence.

Submit Visual Evidence: Once you have captured compelling pictures or videos, you can submit them to the relevant authorities or organizations. In Alabama, you can contact the EPA Region 4 Title V Permitting representative, Lindsay Averett, at (404) 562-8880. Additionally, you can reach out to organizations like Gasp, which works to improve Alabama's air quality and actively involves the community in their efforts. You can also contribute air quality data in your city through various organizations.

Remember, when capturing pictures or videos of air pollution, always prioritize your safety. Avoid putting yourself in harmful situations, especially when dealing with hazardous pollution sources. By following these guidelines and providing detailed visual evidence, you can contribute significantly to the identification and mitigation of air pollution in Alabama.

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI)

Air quality data is available on various platforms. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports air quality through the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a helpful tool for understanding the level of pollution in the air you breathe and identifying any associated health concerns. The AQI provides a detailed breakdown of air quality levels, ranging from satisfactory to emergency conditions.

You can monitor local air quality at www.AirNow.gov, which provides real-time updates on the air quality of your favourite places. AirNow.gov also offers a forecast for the following day. To ensure you receive the most recent information, be sure to clear your cache before accessing the website. Additionally, you can utilise the IQAir AirVisual app, which provides a 3D animated air pollution map.

The Lung Association also provides valuable insights into air quality through its annual "State of the Air" report, available at Lung.org/sota. This report tracks Americans' exposure to unhealthful levels of particle pollution and ozone over a three-year period. It includes data on short-term spikes in particle pollution and average annual particle pollution levels.

Furthermore, you can contribute to air quality monitoring by purchasing a monitor and sharing data from your city with organisations like IQAir. This enables a more comprehensive understanding of air quality at a local level.

Frequently asked questions