Air Quality Parameters

The air we breathe can consist of many contaminants including ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2) particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Each of these contaminants has specific impacts on human health and the environment and is therefore monitored by the Department of Environmental Protection. The results of this monitoring are tracked below.

• Ozone (O3)

  Ozone is a highly reactive gas that is composed of three oxygen atoms. It is formed in a chemical reaction between the diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) and an oxygen atom (O). Since there is abundant O2 in the atmosphere, the key to ozone formation is the availability of free oxygen atoms. This formation of ozone results primarily from the reaction of sunlight with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that are emitted as a result of burning fuel. Health effects include: respiratory problems, reduced lung function, asthma, eye and nose irritation, reduced resistance to colds and other infections.

  For further information: Children: EPA Explorers Club EPA Ozone Page Adults: American Lung Association Ozone Page EPA Ozone Page FDEP Ozone Page EPA Air Now Page EPA Clean Air Market Page Media and Elected officials: FDEP Ozone Q&A Page EPA Ozone Q&A Page NOAA Ozone Page

  Data links: FDEP Ozone Net FDEP Ozone Forecast Page EPA Air Graphics Page

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

  Nitrogen oxides is a generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts, which cause acid rain, ozone formation, and eutrophication of coastal waters. Burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gasoline releases NOx into the atmosphere. The primary sources of NOx are motor vehicles (49%), electric utilities (27%), and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels (24%) Health effects include: increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, increased strain on pulmonary and respiratory systems. For further information on nitrogen oxides, click on the following links:

  For further information: Children: American Lung Association Air Fact Page Adults, Media and Elected officials: EPA NOx Page FDEP Air Pollutant Information Page

  Data links: EPA Air Graphics Page

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

  Sulfur Dioxide is a colorless, toxic gas with a characteristic-suffocating odor produced by power plants and industries that burn fossil fuels that contain sulfur, such as coal and oil, and by the phosphate industry through its production of sulfuric acid. The sulfur dioxide that is produced by the burning of sulfur compounds reacts with the moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, a major component of acid rain. Health effects include: affects breathing and may aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. For further information on Sulfur Dioxide, click on the following links:

  For further information: Children: FDEP SO2 Page EPA SO2 Page American Lung Association Air Fact Page Adults, Media and Elected officials: American Lung Association Air Fact Page FDEP Air Pollutant Information Page EPA SO2 Page

  Data links: EPA Air Graphics Page

• Particulate Matter

  Particulate matter is the generic term used for a type of air pollution that consists of complex and varying mixtures particles suspended in the air we breath. Particulate matter is a combination of fine solids such as dirt, soil dust, pollens, molds, ashes, and soot: and aerosols that are formed in the atmosphere from gaseous combustion by-products such as volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Particulate matter is directly emitted into the air by sources such as factories, power plants, cars, construction activity, fires and natural windblown dust. Health effects include: effects on breathing and respiratory symptoms, aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, alterations in the body’s defense system against foreign materials, damage to lung tissue, carcinogenesis and premature death. For further information on particulate matter, click on the following links:

  For further information:
  Children:
  • American Lung Association Air Fact Page

  Adults, Media and Elected officials:

  • Linn County Public Health Department PM Page
  • FDEP Particulate Matter Page
  • Particulate Matter Research Page
  • 4 Cleanair.org
  • EPA Criteria Pollutant Page
  • EPA’s Children Health Yearbook
  Data links:
  • EPA Air Graphics Page

Air quality is impacted by both weather conditions and human activity. A more complete discussion of these sources, as well as a set of measures which track our success of reducing the impact from these sources, can be found
HERE.

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