New year-round air quality forecasts for more than 100 US cities began on October 1st, 2003. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with state and local governments, is expanding current air quality forecasts to include daily information on particle pollution (PM2.5). EPA expects this number to grow in the coming months as additional areas begin forecasting.

Environmental Impacts:

• The Air Quality Index, or AQI, for particle pollution (PM2.5), like its companion ground-level ozone AQI, is a color-coded system designed to inform the public about daily air pollution levels in their communities.

• In less than a minute each day this important tool lets you know what today’s air pollution levels will be in your community; who’s at risk; and simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Unlike ozone pollution, which is known to be highest during the summer months, particle pollution can vary throughout the year.  While unhealthy levels occur on only a limited number of days, the expanded AQI forecasts give people the information they need to protect their health all year.

[Today's Air Quality Forecast - US Map]

• “Particle pollution” refers to a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets found in the air. Particles can be emitted directly – such as in smoke – or form when gases react in the atmosphere.

Example 1, Smoke from forest fires:

Fires in Montana (August 2, 2003) -- taken by astronauts on board the International Space Station (Film No. ISS007E11605)

(Image courtesy of Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center)

 

NTSC 720x486  NTSC 640x480

[More on Fires in Montana, August, 2003]

Example 2, Code Red Ozone Day Over U.S. East Coast

NOTE: Credit for use of this image should include "Courtesy of ORBIMAGE" or similar and must include the ORBIMAGE logo.

Clear Day: September 23, 1999	Code Red Ozone Day: June 26, 2003

[More on Code Red Ozone Day Over U.S. East Coast]

• Particle pollution comes from a number of sources, including cars and trucks, industry, fires, and power plants. Some of these particles are so fine that they can reach deep into the lungs, where they can affect both the lungs and the heart.

• High levels of particle pollution can affect the health of nearly every American; however certain groups, including people with heart or lung disease; older adults; and children, can also be at risk at lower levels.

• Particle pollution has been linked to asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, changes in heart rate, arrhythmias and heart attacks, among other health problems.

Example, EPA Air Quality Forecasts:

Newark/NYC, New York:

New York City, NY Air Quality Forecast for October 09, 2003 PM2.5 - Moderate

Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Newark, NJ Air Quality Forecast for October 09, 2003 PM2.5 - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Newark/NYC image from 2 days ago (Air Quality: Moderate):

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Boston, Massachusetts:

Boston, MA Air Quality Forecast for October 09, 2003 PM2.5 - Moderate

Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Boston image from 2 days ago (Air Quality: Good):

NOTE: Credit for use of the cam images above should include "Courtesy of Hazecam.net" or similar.

• Forecasts, health information, and maps showing real-time particle levels also are available on EPA’s AIRNow web site, at http://www.epa.gov/airnow.

Today's Nationwide Particle Pollution Forecast: