What's our air quality status?
In attainment of All Standards
From the late 1970's until recently, Jefferson and Shelby counties were classified as a nonattainment area for periods of time for ground-level ozone and particle pollution (or particulate matter, PM2.5) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — meaning that pollution levels exceeded federal limits. With a commitment from the community, key companies, and multiple agencies the Birmingham area was designated as attainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard in 2012 and attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 standard in 2013 and the 2013 annual PM2.5 standard in 2015. These two counties are still maintaining these statuses today.
These actions mean that the Birmingham area is currently in attainment for all six of the criteria pollutants that have a National Ambient Air Quality Standard set by the EPA. This represents the first time in over thirty years that this area has achieved this important goal, so these efforts to keep our air clean must continue.
These actions mean that the Birmingham area is currently in attainment for all six of the criteria pollutants that have a National Ambient Air Quality Standard set by the EPA. This represents the first time in over thirty years that this area has achieved this important goal, so these efforts to keep our air clean must continue.
What are our problem pollutants?
Ground-level Ozone
Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of heat and sunlight.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) come primarily from combustion of fuels in automobiles, coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers and gas-powered engines such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are vapors emitted by paint and print shops, gas stations, dry cleaners, lawn chemicals and from combustion engines, such as those in cars and trucks, boats and diesel locomotives. Trees also emit VOCs, especially pine trees.
NOx and VOCs combine to form ground-level ozone on hot sunny days, which is why most exceedances are seen in the summer.
While ground-level ozone is a health and environmental problem, ozone in the stratosphere (six to 30 miles above the earth) is beneficial. It is naturally created and shields the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) come primarily from combustion of fuels in automobiles, coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers and gas-powered engines such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are vapors emitted by paint and print shops, gas stations, dry cleaners, lawn chemicals and from combustion engines, such as those in cars and trucks, boats and diesel locomotives. Trees also emit VOCs, especially pine trees.
NOx and VOCs combine to form ground-level ozone on hot sunny days, which is why most exceedances are seen in the summer.
While ground-level ozone is a health and environmental problem, ozone in the stratosphere (six to 30 miles above the earth) is beneficial. It is naturally created and shields the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Particle Pollution
Particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM2.5), comes from some of the same sources as NOx and VOCs, including power plants, factories, and motor vehicles (especially older diesel vehicles). Particle pollution is also created by wood burning, construction activity and agriculture. Unlike ground-level ozone, particle pollution occurs year-round.
Why should you care?
It Impacts Your Health
Ground-level ozone is harmful to health, especially for children, the elderly, outdoor workers and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Particle pollution affects these people as well as those with heart disease. The primary target is the respiratory system, but it also targets the heart and the immune system. Ozone is a reactive and irritating chemical. When inhaled, it can irritate and inflame the airways that carry air from the mouth and nose to the lungs.
Become aware of your personal sensitivity to air pollution, and pay attention to local air quality forecasts, which are posted on the homepage. On Air Quality Alert Days, everyone should minimize exposure to outside air and reduce polluting activities as much as possible. Commuters and employers can both make a difference.
The highest ozone levels usually occur from 2 to 7 p.m., primarily in the hot summer months from May to September. Unhealthy levels of particle pollution can peak at any time throughout the year and at any time of the day. Particle pollution can be just as high indoors as it is outdoors.
Become aware of your personal sensitivity to air pollution, and pay attention to local air quality forecasts, which are posted on the homepage. On Air Quality Alert Days, everyone should minimize exposure to outside air and reduce polluting activities as much as possible. Commuters and employers can both make a difference.
The highest ozone levels usually occur from 2 to 7 p.m., primarily in the hot summer months from May to September. Unhealthy levels of particle pollution can peak at any time throughout the year and at any time of the day. Particle pollution can be just as high indoors as it is outdoors.
How Can I Know About the Air Quality?
Air Quality Forecasts Issued Daily
Air quality forecasts are done for every single day of the year by the Jefferson County Department of the Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Click here to receive free air quality alert notifications or daily air quality forecasts by e-mail from EPA’s EnviroFlash. Forecasts can also be found on the homepage of our website and on Twitter @JCDH_AirQuality.
