Air Quality Exceedances
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure used by the EPA to tell us about the air we breathe. If the AQI number is high, it means there is more pollution in the air, and that's not good for our health. If the daily AQI is above 100 it is an exceedance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This means the air quality may be unhealthy for some or all people. You can find out more about what these numbers mean for you at AirNow.gov.
Exceedances of the NAAQS are a sign the air pollution could impact our health. Breathing in bad air can make it hard to breathe, cause coughing, and irritate our throats. Some people, like those with asthma, lung diseases, older adults, children, pregnant people, or those who spend a lot of time outside, are more at risk of serious health problems from high AQI values. Learn more about how air quality can impact your health at AirNow.gov.
What can you do to prevent air quality exceedances?
While some air pollution is caused by events outside of our control, there are things we can all do to help keep the air clean.
Walk, bike, take the bus, or carpool to get to work or school.
If ozone is high, fill up your gas tank after the sun goes down.
If PM10 (dust) is high, try not to drive on dirt roads.
If PM2.5 (smoke) is high, use fireplaces, wood stoves, and fire pits less.
Make a clean room in your house to have a safe place with clean air. Find out how to make one here.
The state rules to control air pollution can be found in Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 445B. The public can give their opinions on new or revised rules at workshops. Workshop details are posted on NDEP’s website here. You can also comment before or during State Environmental Commission (SEC) meetings. The SEC approves or rejects the new rules. Learn about how to participate at SEC.nv.gov.
Air pollution can be caused by natural events or things people do. The tables below show when the air quality exceeded the standards at our sites in the last 2 years. Details about each site can be found here. For Washoe County air quality, you can check: https://www.nnph.org/programs-and-services/air-quality/index.php. For Clark County, you can go to Clark County Division of Air Quality.
This data may not be finalized and is subject to change.