Air Quality - Monitoring:
The air monitoring section of the Cleveland Division of Air Quality (CDAQ) operates a network of ambient air monitors throughout Cuyahoga County. The network measures "criteria pollutants". The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses six “criteria pollutants” as indicators of air quality, and has established for each of them a maximum concentration above which adverse effects on humans may occur. The threshold concentrations are known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and they were adopted through the 1970 Amendment to the Clean Air Act.
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U.S EPA has established standards for allowable limits of each criteria air pollutant. The averaging time (period for evaluation), level (allowable concentrations within ambient air), and form (how often the level can exceed allowable limits) are different for each pollutant. The Primary Standards protect human health and the Secondary Standards protect the environment.
click image to enlarge
For more information, visit the U.S. EPA NAAQS website at:
https://www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants/naaqs-table
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/reports-and-data/ohio-air-quality-index-forecasts
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/reports-and-data/air-monitoring
The Air Quality Index is available through AirNow. gov and recorded Monday through Friday at CDAQs Hotline at (216) 664-7442.
https://airnow.gov/
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency issues Air Quality Advisories when levels of fine particulate pollution and/or ozone are expected to exceed the health (primary) standard. You can sign up for alerts at the link below:
https://www.noaca.org/regional-planning/air-quality-planning/air-quality-advisories
The public can view real time air quality values through the Daily Parameter Report on Ohio EPAs website for most sites in Ohio. Although the information is available, it has not undergone a quality assurance process yet and it is not validated by EPA.
http://wwwapp.epa.ohio.gov/AirOhio/paramnow.htm
Data that has been validated is available in an Annual Report developed by Ohio EPA and can be accessed at the link below.
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/reports-and-data/air-monitoring
Cleveland Department of Public Health
The air monitoring section of the Cleveland Division of Air Quality (CDAQ) operates a network of ambient air monitors throughout Cuyahoga County. The network measures "criteria pollutants". The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses six “criteria pollutants” as indicators of air quality, and has established for each of them a maximum concentration above which adverse effects on humans may occur. The threshold concentrations are known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and they were adopted through the 1970 Amendment to the Clean Air Act.
click image to enlarge
U.S EPA has established standards for allowable limits of each criteria air pollutant. The averaging time (period for evaluation), level (allowable concentrations within ambient air), and form (how often the level can exceed allowable limits) are different for each pollutant. The Primary Standards protect human health and the Secondary Standards protect the environment.
click image to enlarge
For more information, visit the U.S. EPA NAAQS website at:
https://www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants/naaqs-table
Air Monitoring Network Plan and Site Location:
CDAQ Air Monitoring staff are responsible for operating air monitors at various sites throughout Cuyahoga County. The criteria used to determine the site location for monitors is specific to the type of pollutant that is being monitored. Details on CDAQs monitoring stations and the criteria used to determine their location can be found on the main AirOhio website and the Air Monitoring Network Plan links below:https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/reports-and-data/ohio-air-quality-index-forecasts
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/reports-and-data/air-monitoring
Air Quality Index and Annual Reporting
The air quality index is a measurement of how good or bad the air quality is on a given day. The scale is an easy way to understand if you might need to take certain precautions if you/or a family member has existing health concerns. If the color is green, the air quality is generally accepted to be good for all populations. If the scale reaches yellow or orange, individuals with existing health concerns should be aware and modify their behavior accordingly.The Air Quality Index is available through AirNow. gov and recorded Monday through Friday at CDAQs Hotline at (216) 664-7442.
https://airnow.gov/
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency issues Air Quality Advisories when levels of fine particulate pollution and/or ozone are expected to exceed the health (primary) standard. You can sign up for alerts at the link below:
https://www.noaca.org/regional-planning/air-quality-planning/air-quality-advisories
The public can view real time air quality values through the Daily Parameter Report on Ohio EPAs website for most sites in Ohio. Although the information is available, it has not undergone a quality assurance process yet and it is not validated by EPA.
http://wwwapp.epa.ohio.gov/AirOhio/paramnow.htm
Data that has been validated is available in an Annual Report developed by Ohio EPA and can be accessed at the link below.
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/reports-and-data/air-monitoring