As we enter the summer months, concerns about air quality and ozone levels increase. It is now easier for individuals to monitor air quality thanks to smartphones and local weather forecasts, which provide real-time information on the health risks associated with breathing polluted air.
Dr. Tracey Holloway, a professor of energy analysis and policy at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, specializes in studying air quality and the impact of various chemicals in the air on visibility and human health. She leads a team at NASA that utilizes satellite data to provide relevant information for decision-making on air quality and public health.
The federal government uses the air quality index (AQI) to measure air quality, with green indicating good conditions, yellow for moderate, orange for unhealthy for sensitive groups, and red for unhealthy. Purple or maroon indicates even more hazardous conditions.
Factors that contribute to poor air quality in southeast Texas include ozone, wildfire smoke, factory pollution, and Saharan dust. Dr. Holloway explains that different chemicals in the air can affect the body in various ways, with respiratory diseases like asthma being a common consequence due to the inhalation of harmful substances.
In severe cases, air pollution has been linked to shorter life expectancies, exacerbation of heart disease, adverse birth outcomes, and other negative health effects. Dr. Holloway emphasizes that cleaner air equates to healthier living overall.
It is recommended to stay indoors on days when air quality is poor and utilizing air filtration systems indoors can help reduce exposure to harmful particles. For the latest updates on air quality and related topics follow Briana Conner on Facebook, Twitter
