Air quality is something that people rarely think about that can have a profound impact on daily life. Poor air quality worsens asthma symptoms, causes respiratory issues, worsens many existing conditions (such as cardiovascular issues or respiratory illnesses), and can even cause cancer and shorten life spans. Luckily air quality in Wisconsin is generally very good, but understanding air pollution and its related issues is still excellent information for anyone to possess. 

How is air quality determined?

Air quality is essentially a rough measure of the amount of pollutants that are present in the air at a given point. While many airborne pollutants can be hazardous to human health, the EPA has identified six “criteria” pollutants that are most commonly monitored for: lead, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, ozone, oxides of sulfur, and oxides of nitrogen

• Lead

• The elemental metal lead can become airborne through a variety of means, including lead-acid battery manufacture, ore/metal processing, and through the use of leaded aviation fuel.

• Until 1996 lead was used as a gasoline additive, contributing massively to atmospheric lead levels. 

• Atmospheric lead in the United States decreased by 98% from 1980 to 2014 thanks mostly to the banning of lead as a gasoline additive. 

• Lead accumulates in the body, particularly in the bones, and disrupts many physiological systems including the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems. 

• The most common conditions caused by lead are developmental issues in children and cardiovascular problems in adults.

• For more information on lead, you can refer to our website’s page on lead.
  
  

• Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon Monoxide (abbreviated CO) is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas

• CO is formed during combustion of carbon-containing substances and fuels. 

• Common sources include fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, kerosene, and natural gas. 

• It is also produced during burning of any other carbon-containing fuels, such as wood. 

• CO is dangerous because it is a chemical asphyxiant, meaning it prevents the brain from getting the oxygen it needs to function. 

• Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. 

• CO binds to these red blood cells, making them unable to bind to oxygen molecules and deliver them where they’re needed. 

• If enough CO is inhaled it can result in unconsciousness and death because oxygen delivery is so compromised. This is most common in enclosed spaces or indoors. 

• Even in amounts that are not deadly, CO decreases the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and results in a worsening of conditions such as heart disease or COPD. 

• Particulate Matter

• Particulate matter refers to extremely fine particles (both solids and liquids) that are suspended in the air. 

• Particulate matter is commonly abbreviated PM, with PM10 indicating particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller and PM2.5 indicating particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. 

• For reference, human hair is generally 50-70 microns in diameter

• These particles are so fine they often behave more like gases than solids or liquids, and can be inhaled and enter the lungs and even the bloodstream.

• Sources of PM vary widely. They can be emitted directly from a particular source (construction and industry are common) or they can form in the atmosphere when chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

• An increasingly important source of PM pollution is wildfires, such as those in the western United States. 

• Like many other air pollutants, PM affects the heart and lungs, and has been linked to:

• Decreased lung function

• Aggravated asthma symptoms

• Earlier death in those suffering heart or lung conditions

• General respiratory symptoms (coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.)

 

• Ozone

• Ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, where it protects against harmful radiation and excess heat from the sun. 

• Ground-level ozone, however, can cause health problems. 

• Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly.

• Chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides (discussed later) form ozone. 

• Volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides are emitted from many sources including industry, gasoline-burning vehicles, and chemical solvents. 

• Ozone can make it more difficult to breathe even for healthy individuals, and is suspected to be a cause of asthma development. 

• Like many other pollutants, it aggravates pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions

• Long-term exposure to elevated ozone can also cause COPD

 

• Sulfur dioxide

• “Oxides of Sulfur,” abbreviated SOx, are compounds that form from sulfur and oxygen and are harmful to human health. 

• SO2 is found in the greatest concentration and is of the most immediate concern. 

• The largest contribution to SO2 emissions comes from the energy sector, when fossil fuels are burned for energy production. 

• Other smaller sources include industrial sites as well as some natural sources, such as volcanic activity. 

• Health effects of sulfur oxides include difficulty breathing and complications of pre-existing conditions

• Children and the elderly are even more vulnerable. 

• Sulfur oxides react in the atmosphere to form particulate matter, which causes health problems and issues of its own (see above entry on particulate matter). 

 

• Oxides of Nitrogen

• Like oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen exist in different forms but nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the most common and of the most concern. It is the nitrogen oxide that is monitored for. 

• NO2 typically enters the atmosphere when fuel is burned. Major contributors include vehicle exhaust and power plants. 

• Nitrogen oxides are highly reactive and combine with volatile organic compounds and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form ozone and particulate matter.

• Even on their own, nitrogen oxides irritate airways and cause aggravated asthma symptoms and other respiratory issues common to air pollutants. 

How can I check the air quality in my area?

• There are interactive online maps that allow you to check both current and forecast air quality levels both in the U.S. and worldwide.

• You can also view past data to see what the history of air quality is like in an area you’re interested in. 

• Airnow.gov is a great resource for air quality within the United States

• This site displays ground-level ozone and particulate matter levels for the monitoring stations it reports data on. 

• There is limited information on countries outside the US available on this site. 

• Waqi.info is a worldwide database that displays air monitoring information from all over the world. 

• Information is available on all pollutants monitored for at each specific testing location. 

• This site is best for information about countries outside the United States. 

What can I do about air quality?

• Use the air quality index sources listed above to check the air quality if you’re concerned pollutant levels may be elevated in your area or an area you may be visiting. 

• If pollutant levels are elevated consider staying indoors as much as possible, especially if you belong to a vulnerable population.

• Avoid vigorous outdoor activities on days of elevated pollutant levels, especially during high ground-level ozone days. 

• Air quality takes place on such a large scale that individual actions are not as effective as they are in other areas. However, there are some important steps you can take: 

• Don’t burn trash or other non-fuel materials; dispose of all waste properly. 

• If you’re considering a fire for recreational purposes, do so in an open area of good air quality and ensure it is safe to do so.