Current air quality information at your fingertips

Contact:  Elizabeth Schmitz 800-928-0047

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2008) - Ever wonder if the air is clean enough to go for a run or work on your yard?  The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a color-coded system describing how clean or polluted the outdoor air is in a specific location.  The system explains what health effects may result for the local population, focusing on effects a person might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.

For example, the AQI uses orange to mean that the air quality might be harmful to sensitive populations.  However, sensitive populations are not just children, the elderly or people with existing heart or lung conditions.  Sensitive populations also include healthy adults who work or exercise outdoors.  Generally, the AQI is calculated for either ozone or particle pollution, depending on which level is most prevalent.  Being aware of air quality levels before going outside to exercise is vital to protecting your and your children’s health. 

Especially on poor air quality days, the AQI can also remind you to “do your share for cleaner air” by remembering to turn off unused lights, electronics and appliances.  Other actions you can take include making the switch to compact fluorescents, tuning up your car, properly inflating your tires, and reducing, reusing and recycling.

In Kentucky, the AQI is available in nearly real-time via phone or the Division for Air Quality Web site.  The phone number is 1-800-AIR-IN_KY, and the Web site is www.air.ky.gov.  Forecasted AQI levels are also available in Louisville and Lexington by visiting www.airnow.gov. 

National Air Quality Week, April 28 - May 2, 2008, creates an opportunity for Kentuckians to “Be Air Aware.”