Air Pollution Trap and Front Line Research - Air Mail! Newsletter
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 11/15/2019 09:00 AM ESTDEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
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Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:
Additional information and access to past announcements are on our Public & Stakeholder Participation Information page. Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All New York State residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here. On the Front Lines in Air ResearchIn the October episode of DEC’s On the Front Lines video series, Research Scientist Marilyn Wurth shows us how DEC conducted a year-long study investigating air quality complaints from Albany South End residents. In response to their concerns, DEC launched a community air quality study to investigate the sources of air pollution in the neighborhood. Through the collective efforts of many individuals, from DEC's Division of Air Resources staff to community members and volunteers, DEC was able to provide this Environmental Justice community with important information to better understand air quality in their neighborhood. You can learn more about the Albany South End Air Quality Initiative, and read the final report on our website. ‘On the Front Lines’ is posted monthly on DEC's YouTube channel and Facebook and Twitter pages. The series profiles staff and their work to protect the environment, conserve New York’s natural resources, and serve the public. Watch past episodes on DEC's YouTube channel. Temperature Inversions: Nature’s Air Pollution TrapsAir pollution isn’t just a summer problem. Cool weather conditions can also contribute to poor air quality in the form of temperature inversions. Temperature inversions occur when a cool air mass is trapped close to the ground by a warmer air mass overhead. Essentially, they are like a warm air blanket covering and isolating a cool air bubble, most often occurring in a valley. Normally, the wind and rising air currents would blow away air pollution. Instead, temperature inversions trap pollution close to the ground, which concentrates it where people and animals are exposed to it. Air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM) and wood smoke, mix together to create smog or smoke clouds close to the ground. Pollution like this is known to reduce visibility and can result in various negative health effects, like triggering asthma attacks. We cannot control the weather patterns that lead to temperature inversions, but we can reduce our contribution to the air pollution that makes them so harmful. Reducing your use of fossil fuels at home and on the go helps improve air quality where you live and around the state. Remember to check the Air Quality Index before you go outside to decrease your exposure to air pollution and to keep you, your family and pets breathing easy.
Photo credit: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks North Star Borough Air Quality staff member. DECinfo LocatorFind out what’s in your neighborhood air with DECinfo Locator. This first-of-its-kind map makes it easier than ever to view and download information about air pollution sources and air monitoring stations across New York State. We are continuously improving DECinfo Locator, so check back frequently to see what’s new. Learn more about its features on our website or from the DECinfo Locator Tutorial on YouTube. Join the Team!Looking for a job that has a positive impact on our environment? DEC offers numerous opportunities for qualified individuals looking to work in environmental fields and support the protection of the environment. Learn more about career opportunities in natural resource management and environmental protection with DEC on our website. Dates to Remember:
Stay Informed about Your Air QualityNew York States’ ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season, and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an air quality alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345. The AQI can be accessed in three ways:
We would like to know what you think. Please send your Air Mail! questions or comments to us at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov. |