Colors of Air: Reading Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a daily report on how clean or polluted the air is in a designated area. In the summer, the higher temperatures create more ground-level ozone because it is formed with a combination of heat and sunlight. Increased ground-level ozone and particulate matter makes it difficult for some population groups to breathe. Below is the chart used to read and understand AQI values and corresponding colors.

Courtesy of http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

The AQI ranks air quality with colors from green to purple and a corresponding score 0 to 500, with zero meaning no risk and 500 being the most hazardous.

Here's what the colors signify:

Green (0-50):

Air quality conditions for that day are good and that all groups can breathe easy outside.

Yellow (51-100):

Health concerns for air quality are moderate, and that sensitive groups should limit their outdoors exertion.

Orange (101-150)

Air is unhealthy and that sensitive groups, such as those with lung disease or heart conditions, should stay indoors. Children are also at risk for increased particles in the air.

Red (151-200)

All population groups may experience ill effects from the pollution, and the effects are more severe for sensitive groups.

Purple and Maroon (201-500)

Purple and maroon scores indicate that the air is very unhealthy or could be hazardous to the city’s health.

The AQI is a serious matter, and alerts should not be ignored. When spending time outdoors, be aware of the air quality score in your area and plan your day appropriately.

Make six SIMPLE adjustments to your driving habits to improve Tennessee’s air quality and reduce air pollution.

Find more on the Air Quality Index at AirNow.gov.

Study shows TN ranks low in air quality

A new study from the American Lung Association shows why Tennessee needs to continue to improve its air quality.

According to the study, Knoxville and the surrounding area has the highest amount of ground-level ozone pollution in Tennessee and the 18^th highest in the nation. It also ranks 24^th in the nation in the amount of year-round particle pollution.

Though Knoxville was ranked the worst in all of Tennessee, other TN regions did not fare very well either. Large counties like Davidson and Shelby received failing grades for high ozone days, and had mediocre grades for particle pollution.

High ground-level ozone and particle pollution puts some population groups, especially children and elderly, at greater risk for breathing problems. Those with cardiovascular problems or upper respiratory issues are also at risk.

What can Tennesseans do to reverse this air quality issue? Unfortunately, the damage done cannot be reversed. There are, however, steps that can be taken to prevent the air quality from getting any worse.

Clear The Air Tennessee suggests six SIMPLE steps drivers and travelers can make part of their routine. Idle less, combine more trips and take more walks are a few of the steps. You can also sign up at our website to become a Clear The Air Advocate and encourage others to help lower air pollution in Tennessee.

Links:

Read the results of the State of The Air Study from the American Lung Association here.

http://www.stateoftheair.org/2011/city-rankings/most-polluted-cities.html

Ethanol 101

What is Ethanol 15? Facts on using the new ethanol blend in our vehicles

Gasoline pumps may soon carry a new blend of gasoline and ethanol fuel – E15. Many gas stations and travel plazas already carry a mix of gasoline and 10 percent ethanol. Now they can add a higher ethanol blend to their offerings. The EPA recently approved waivers that allow that percentage to increase to 15 percent (E15).

But there are restrictions on the type of vehicles that can use E15. For instance, E15 should only be used in vehicles with a model year 2001 or later. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as school buses and delivery trucks should not use E15. Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and marine craft should not use the new blend.

Gas pumps carrying E15 will be labeled with information regarding which types of vehicles can handle E15 gasoline.

What are the benefits to using ethanol?

Many of the materials used in ethanol, such as corn, trees and grasses (called “cellulosic biomass”) are produced domestically, helping the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Ethanol also creates lower emissions of air pollutants. Some ethanol fuels, such as E85, can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles, but as consumer demand and interest grows in ethanol and other alternative fuels, these could help lower pollution and improve our air quality.

Additional Resources:

Read more about E15 fuel at the EPA’s website.

Read more about ethanol and E85 at fueleconomy.gov.