Air Quality Index
The Louisville Metro Air
Pollution Control District
issues an AIR QUALITY INDEX 4 times daily during
the weekdays. The Air Quality Index provides the
current index, the elevated pollutant, the
current category, and a short term forecast.
Latest air quality data and
forecasts
Information from the
KAIRE Network
We often hear a
lot about the depletion of the ozone layer in
the atmosphere. This kind of ozone protects us
from harmful radiation. Stratospheric ozone is
good, but ground-level ozone is harmful.
When people think of ground-level ozone, they
usually picture a thick layer of smog over Los
Angeles. They don't usually think of a Midwest
summer day, typically hazy, sunny and hot.
WHAT EXACTLY IS GROUND-LEVEL OZONE?
Ground-level
ozone is formed by a chemical reaction between
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of
nitrogen in the presence of sunlight and warm
temperatures. The primary source of these are
automobiles and industrial emissions. High ozone
levels pose significant health risks to the
elderly and young children, but even healthy
adults may be affected. Here in Kentuckiana,
ground-level ozone is a particular problem
during the afternoons and early evenings between
June and September.
Most of the pollutants that form ozone come from
cars. Large factories account for another
portion of the emissions. Small businesses such
as printing plants, service stations, and auto
body shops, and people using lawn mowers,
paints, and cleaning solvents account for
another portion of the emissions.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THE AIR YOU
BREATHE?
High ground-level
ozone directly impacts our health and our
economy. When ozone is breathed into the body,
it reacts with the lung tissue. It can harm
breathing passages, making it more difficult for
the lungs to work. It also can cause eye and
throat irritation and cause a greater
susceptibility to infection.
If Kentuckiana continues to exceed federal
standards, numerous costly restrictions - which
will affect businesses and private citizens
alike - will be required in our area. By making
a few simple changes in our daily habits, we can
maintain healthy air and a healthy economy.
When weather forecasts show favorable conditions
for high ozone levels, the Kentuckiana Ozone
Prevention Coalition will issue an Ozone Action
Day advisory asking you to do your share for
cleaner air.
YOUR GUIDE TO THE AIR QUALITY INDEX
| CATEGORY | AQI | COLOR CODE | HEALTH STATEMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 1 - 50 | Green | No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range. |
| Moderate | 51-100 | Yellow | Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101-150 | Orange | Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. |
| Unhealthful | 151 - 200 | Red | Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. |
| Very Unhealthy | 201-300 | Maroon | Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion. |
DO YOUR SHARE FOR CLEANER AIR
- Ride the Bus - Call TARC at 585-1234
- Share a Ride - call The Commuter Pool at 267-5400 or 1-800-VANRIDE
- Walk or ride a bicycle if possible
- Slow Down - Driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph reduces pollution by 10 percent
- Avoid driving during peak hours - 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM
- Keep your car/boat/lawn equipment properly maintained
- Don't use drive-through windows at restaurants and banks. Enjoy the cool air inside
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
KAIRE Network
502-574-7275
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District
502-574-6000 (Voice)
502-574-3319 (Air Quality Index)
