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Air quality can have a meaningful impact on public health. Air Quality Awareness Week was created to share information on air quality and its health impacts and encourage people to incorporate knowledge of the Air Quality Index (AQI) into their daily lives. This year's theme is Be Air Aware & Prepared! so here's a few ways to leave this week more aware & prepared:
Know where to access current air quality conditions and forecasts
Louisville Air Watch provides real-time air quality information for Louisville, including a live map of the air monitoring stations throughout the area. Each site operated by the APCD also has its own page with more detailed monitoring data.
The EPA's AirNow provides live air monitoring and an air quality forecast for a few days ahead of time. There is also an AirNow app that provides the AQI live directly to your phone.
The Air Pollution Control District Twitter and Facebook pages post a daily air quality forecast each morning along with air quality tips, updates, and meeting, hearing, and event announcements.
Louisville Air Watch includes a live map of air quality throughout Louisville.
Sign up to receive air quality alerts
If air pollution is forecast to be at levels that may affect public health, an air quality alert will be issued. Sign to receive these alerts through the EPA's Enviroflash. Air Quality Alerts will also be broadcast on local weather forecasts and sent out through Twitter and Facebook.
Pick up some air-friendly habits
Ranging from small steps to smart investments when the time comes, those actions that we usually think of as being considered “good for the environment” are likely good for our air. How can your choices help add up to cleaner air? Here are a few ideas to consider:
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Reduce energy use at home. Turn of lights when you leave a room. Use your heating or cooling only when you need it. Switch to energy efficient appliances and try to unplug electronics when you’re not using them.
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Reduce vehicle use & emissions. Walk, bike, or take public transportation when able. When driving, keep your car well maintained and do your best to reduce unnecessary idling (remember, Count to 10, Car off then!).
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Switch to electric. Next time you buy a car consider switching to a battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or lower emitting vehicle. Not ready to switch your car yet? The APCD's Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Program offers rebates to Jefferson County residents that make the switch to electric lawn equipment.
When it comes to the air that you and your neighbors breathe, any impact is meaningful. Thank you for taking part in Air Quality Awareness Week 2022!
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