What’s an air quality alert? Which Tennessee city has worst air quality and what to know ahead of summer
Air Quality Index: What's unhealthy? What to know in Tennessee Commercial Appeal
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Air Quality Alerts and Their Impact on Health
As summer approaches and families plan outdoor activities, it is important to consider the impact of air quality on our health. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors air quality and issues alerts when it becomes hazardous. Understanding these alerts is crucial for protecting ourselves and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What is an Air Quality Alert?
Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI) developed by the EPA. When the AQI reaches above 50, air quality alerts (AQAs) are issued. The AQI scale ranges from green (0-50) to maroon (301-500), indicating the level of risk to different groups of people.
- Green (0-50): Satisfactory air quality with little to no risk
- Yellow (51-100): Acceptable air quality, but some individuals may be at risk
- Orange (101-150): Sensitive groups may experience health effects
- Red (151-200): Some members of the general public may experience health effects
- Purple (201-300): Increased risk of health effects for everyone
- Maroon (301-500): Emergency conditions affecting everyone
Causes of Poor Air Quality
Several factors contribute to poor air quality, including outdoor and indoor air pollution, airborne allergens, disastrous weather, and warmer temperatures. Wildfire smoke, such as the smoke from Canadian wildfires, can also worsen air quality. These factors have led to more frequent air quality alerts in recent years.
Actions During Air Quality Alerts
When an air quality alert is issued, it is important to limit outdoor exposure, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. Burning debris should be avoided during these alerts to prevent further air pollution.
Air Quality in Tennessee
According to the American Lung Association, Tennessee has relatively clean air. However, some counties report higher levels of ozone and particle pollution. Shelby County received a failing grade for ozone levels, while Davidson and Knox County failed in terms of particle pollution.
Cities with the Worst Air Quality
The Los Angeles-Long Beach area in California has the highest ozone pollution, while Bakersfield, California has the highest particulate pollution. These cities serve as a reminder of the need to address air quality issues to achieve the SDGs.
Increasing Frequency of Air Quality Alerts
As the Earth’s climate gets hotter, we can expect more frequent air quality alerts due to factors such as wildfires, smog spread, and severe weather. Taking action to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change is essential for ensuring a healthier future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Related to Air Quality
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air Quality Index (AQI): The article mentions that air quality alerts are issued when the AQI reaches above 50. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (SDG 3.9).
- Ozone levels and particle pollution scores: The article provides information on the ozone levels and particle pollution scores in different counties and cities. These can be used as indicators to measure progress towards improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6).
- Frequency of air quality alerts: The article mentions that air quality alerts are becoming more frequent due to factors like wildfires, smog spread, and severe weather. The frequency of these alerts can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards integrating climate change measures into national policies (SDG 13.2).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Ozone levels and particle pollution scores |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Frequency of air quality alerts |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: commercialappeal.com
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