Kids’ Guide to Air Pollution

Source: EPA www.epa.gov/air/airtrends/2007/dl_graph.html Image in public domain

What Is Air Pollution and Where Does it Come From?

• Primary pollutants are harmful particles or gases that come from chimneys, smokestacks, tailpipes, volcanoes, plants and dust.

• Secondary pollutants are made of once-harmless substances that chemically react with each other in the air to form pollution.

• Right-Click here and open link for details on specific sources of pollution.

source: http://www.epa.gov/air/oaqps/eog/course422/ap3.html image in public domain

Can We See Air Pollution?

Particle pollution and smog can make the air look hazy-brown. Some individual particles of pollution are large enough to see, but most particles and all gaseous pollutants are invisible.

in public domain

Does Air Pollution Hurt People?

Air pollution can affect the respiratory system and the heart. The longer the exposure and the higher the levels of pollution, the more serious the effects.

Image courtesy of US EPA – in public domain

Let’s find out………

Right-Click this link for pollution maps:

POLLUTION MAPS FOR STATE and COUNTY (http://www.epa.gov/air/emissions/pm.htm)

Is My Air Polluted?

• Click on your state to discover sources of big and fine particle pollution.• Click on your county to find information about particle pollution nearby

When air pollution is at “unhealthy levels,” it is best not to play outside. To find pollution levels for your area right now, go to:

TODAY’S SMOG FORECAST(http://www.air.dnr.state.ga.us/smogforecast/)

Image courtesy of US EPA –in public domain

Air Quality Index (AQI) for Kids

Air QualityAir

Quality Index

Health Advisory Kids’ Version

Good 0 - 50 Air quality is good. Enjoy activities. When the AQI is green, the air outside is fresh and clean.

Moderate 51 - 100 People who are unusually sensitive to air pollution should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

When the AQI is yellow, kids with asthma keep it mellow.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

101 - 150

People with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults and children should cut back or reschedule strenuous activities.

When AQI’s an orange hue, all kids should limit what they do (outside).

Unhealthy 151 - 200

Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults and children should cut back or reschedule strenuous activities. Sensi-tive groups should avoid strenuous activities.

When the AQI is red, kids have fun inside instead.

Very Unhealthy

201 - 300

Everyone, especially people with heart orlung disease (including asthma), older adults and children should significantly cut back on physical activities. Sensitive groups should avoid all physical activities.

When AQI’s a purple hue, keep your parents inside too!

Hazardous 301 - 500Emergency conditions are likely to affect the entire population.

When the AQI’s maroon, play inside all afternoon.