Our area in West Tennessee is currently experiencing drought conditions. Today we have a Code Gold alert. As I have asthma and have two children with allergies, I was thinking what does it mean to have the Golden Code up and running today? What is different about the highest mountains and what do they mean? How should the public react and prepare when these alerts are issued? What can we do to help prevent bad air quality?
It’s hard to believe it’s time for the kids to go back to school as it’s hot around the country. Many other areas in the country are experiencing similar concerns with heat and air pollution. Our weather forecast calls for at least 97 degrees over the next seven days with or without rain. As an asthma sufferer, I feel sluggish and experience a lack of energy, despite the effort to stay inside.
The air quality rating is determined based on the amount of air pollution predicted to be harmful to sensitive groups. . When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches a high reading, alerts are issued.
AQI is simply an index for reporting air quality. This tells you how clean the air is and whether it is health hazards. Five major pollutants are calculated to determine the AQI: ozone-level, particulate pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. In an effort to protect the public, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes air quality standards. Ground-level ozone and air pollution in particular are the two pollutants that pose the greatest risk.
Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the atmosphere. It comes from a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds (sol.) Exhaust from cars, industrial facilities, electric utilities, Gas and chemical vapors are some of the major sources. Breathing ozone can cause wheezing, coughing, congestion and make asthma, bronchitis and emphysema worse.
Airborne particles or particles are small droplets of liquids or solids that cause major damage inside the lungs. People with respiratory conditions suffer more seriously if airborne particles enter the body, but the general public may use shortness of breath. breath, cough and phlegm.
AQI is somewhat similar to a rating scale. Imagine a rating system of 0 – 500. If the AQI is measured at 50, the air quality is within reason. If the measurement is 300, more risk.
AQI Ratinga
Green alert: 0 – 50 Good
Yellow Alert: 51 – 100 Moderate
Orange raised: 101 – 150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups
Red Alert: 151 – 200 Unhealthy
Purple erect: 201 – 300 Very healthy
Maroon alert: 301 – 500 Dangerous
A Golden Code alert means that the general public is not likely to be affected. However, sensitive groups may be affected. People with respiratory problems especially lung disease, people with heart conditions, children and the elderly will be sensitive members of the group.
If conditions suggest a Code Red alert, anyone can be affected. Members of sensitive groups may feel the most serious effects and health concerns.
A Purple Code alert means the public is experiencing serious air effects quality. Citizens are encouraged to follow the warnings and advice accompanying these alerts.
Code Maroon is set to the highest rating possible. The entire population could potentially be affected if air quality reached this level.
AQI Ratings are important and should not be discounted, even if you are not a sensitive group. The next time you find out from local news that your areas are affected, be sure to follow the warnings and use the following explanations. Make friends and families that belong to sensitive groups. It is also useful to remember that we are “in the spirit” and become active in the control of air pollution including fire prevention and no smoking efforts. By being proactive and following the advice of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can help protect yourself and others from the harmful effects of poor air quality.
Refer to www.airnow.gov to determine the current Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area.
