Air Quality
MORPC's Air Quality Program seeks to address our region’s growing air quality issues and inform, educate and alert individuals, businesses and organizations of the actions they can take to reduce air pollution.
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| Download this free air quality update tool for your website. | | Watch this air quality video to find out where central Ohio's air pollution comes from. | |
Air Quality Forecasts
Year-round, MORPC carefully monitors ground-level ozone and particle pollution levels and issues daily air quality forecasts for all of central Ohio, focusing on the six counties in non-attainment with federal ozone standards and four counties in non-attainment with federal particle pollution (PM2.5) standards. These counties fail to meet health standards set by U.S. EPA.
To view the extended forecast, real-time data, air quality maps, a monitoring site map, and historical data click here.
July 2008 Air Quality Recap
Air Quality Alerts
When there is a potential for high pollution levels, usually on hot, sunny days, an Air Quality Alert may be issued--at first for sensitive groups and then for everyone else as levels get higher. The community is alerted through the local media, MORPC website, and EnviroFlash emails to reduce their exposure and take action to help reduce pollution. Alerts are issued when pollution levels reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on the National Air Quality Index (AQI).
Central Ohio Air Quality Hotline
Listen to the daily air quality forecast on our Central Ohio Air Quality Hotline by calling toll free 1-888-666-1009.
Start Planning Ahead
Use MORPC's air quality forecasts to help you plan ahead. For instance, when an Air Quality Alert is issued you can reduce your exposure to high levels of air pollution by changing the time of your outdoor activity to the morning or evening when levels are generally lower. Read more from the American Lung Association about the effects of air pollution during strenuous work or exercise.
Simple Solutions to Improve Air Quality
Congratulations to the 2008 Clean Air Award Winners! Clean Air Awards were presented at the annual Clean Air Fair on April 30, 2008.
Air Quality News
American Lung Association's 2008 State of the Air Report Now Available
Free Lung Clinic Now Open
Answering the growing need for free care tailored to lung conditions, The Breathing Association has created a clinic to serve those people with household incomes at or below 175 percent of the poverty level. Under current federal guidelines, that would be $37,100 a year for a family of four. The lung-health clinic, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the association's offices on Old Henderson Road. For more information visit The Breathing Association's website.
Ohio EPA Awards Grant to Clean Fuels Ohio
May 13, 2008 – Ohio EPA’s Environmental Education Fund has provided $48,549 to Clean Fuels Ohio to fund its Ohio Green Fleets program. The Ohio Green Fleets program will provide help to at least 20 businesses and government fleet operators to reduce emissions and improve the environmental performance of their vehicles. Collaborators include Cummins-Westport, the Earth Day Coalition, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, Ohio EPA Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention, and Ohio Trucking Association. To view the press release click here.
Air Quality and Energy Working Group
The Air Quality and Energy Working Group provides leadership and guidance to MORPC staff. The Committee consists of representatives throughout central Ohio (local government, nonprofit organizations and private interests) and meets at MORPC the first Tuesday of every other month at 1:30 p.m.
Committee Chair, Derrick Clay, MORPC Board Member
Contact Ashley Lester at 614-233-4168 to join.
Meeting Summary
