This May 6th through 10th, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting Air Quality Awareness Week (AQAW) [1]. This annual event is a timely reminder about the importance of clean air and the things we can all do to protect it.

This year’s AQAW coincides with World Asthma Day on May 7th, making it an especially relevant opportunity to learn more about how air quality impacts our health.

Why Clean Air Matters

Clean air is essential for our health and well-being. According to the EPA, air pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory illness, heart disease, and even cancer [1].

Knowing Your Air

The theme for Air Quality Awareness Week 2024 is “Knowing Your Air” [1]. This theme highlights the importance of understanding air quality conditions in your community.

The EPA’s AirNow program provides real-time air quality information across the United States [2]. By checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area, you can be aware of potential health risks and take steps to protect yourself, especially on days with high pollution levels.

Taking Action

There are many things we can do as individuals to improve air quality. Here are a few tips:

• Drive less and walk, bike, or take public transportation more often.
• Reduce your home energy use.
• Avoid burning trash or yard waste.
• Be mindful of your product choices and opt for low-emission options.
• Stay informed about air quality conditions in your area and take steps to protect yourself when necessary.

By working together, we can make a difference in protecting our air quality and our health.

Learning More

For more information about Air Quality Awareness Week and how you can get involved, visit the EPA’s website [1]. You can also learn more about World Asthma Day on the Global Initiative for Asthma’s website [3].

Let’s all take a deep breath and commit to doing our part for cleaner air!

References:

1. US EPA Air Quality Awareness Week: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality/air-quality-awareness-week
2. AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/
3. Global Initiative for Asthma: https://ginasthma.org/

Knowing your AIR!

EPA 2024

Tag @epagov on Instagram and @AIRNow @EPAair @EPAairmarkets on X (Twitter) using the hashtags #AQAW2024 #AirQuality