Something's in the Air

Every time we take a breath, we are breathing much more than just air. Each time we inhale, we expose ourselves to ozone and particulate matter, both of which are dangerous to our health. Ozone and particle pollution levels have declined in Illinois over the past decade, despite significant growth in the population, motor vehicle use and new businesses entering the area. However, air pollution remains to be of great concern, particularly in the state's urban areas. Unhealthy levels of ozone only occur on hot, sunny days. Particle pollution also develops on hot summer days but can also occur during cooler weather, including winter months. (Back to Top)

Don't We Want to Save Ozone?

Ozone exists in both the upper and lower atmosphere. It has good and bad effects on us, depending where it is located. In the upper atmosphere, ozone shields us from the damaging rays of the sun. When ozone is in the air we breathe in the lower atmosphere, it is a health hazard. (Back to Top)

How Does Ozone Affect Our Health?

Ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, eye and nose irritation. It can be especially dangerous to the elderly, children, asthmatics, and persons with chronic respiratory ailments. (Back to Top)

What Causes Ozone?

Ozone is formed through a complex chemical reaction involving hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and sunlight. While most people think of industry as the main source of air pollution, approximately half of the hydrocarbons in ozone smog come from actions of ordinary citizens as we drive our cars, maintain our homes, and use a variety of volatile chemicals. (Back to Top)

How Can I Protect Myself from Ozone?

Avoid physical exertion between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. whenever air pollution levels are high. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and people with lung and heart diseases. If possible, limit outdoor activities or stay indoors and keep cool when outside temperatures and air pollution levels are high. (Back to Top)

What is Particulate Matter?

Particulate matter pollution consists of tiny particles present in the air we breathe. More specifically, particulate matter is a combination of fine solids such as dust, pollens, molds, ashes, and soot that are often less than one-hundredth the width of a human hair. While particles are always in the air, high concentrations and/or specific types of particles can pose potentially serious health risks. (Back to Top)

Where Does Particulate Matter Come From?

Particulate pollution comes from diverse sources including factory and utility smokestacks, vehicle exhaust, wood burning, burning leaves, mining, construction activity and agriculture. Particulates also come from aerosols that are formed in the atmosphere from gaseous combustion by-products such as volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. (Back to Top)

How Does Particulate Matter Affect Our Health?

 Particulate matter air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as people with heart disease. Exposure to particulate air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways. Recent research has also linked exposure to relatively low concentrations of particulate matter with heart attacks and premature death. Those at greatest risk are the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart disease.   (Back to Top)

How Can I Protect Myself from Particulate Matter?

Avoid physical exertion between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. whenever air pollution levels are high. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and people with lung and heart diseases. If possible, limit outdoor activities or stay indoors when air pollution levels are high. Also, individuals should avoid exercising near high-traffic areas.  (Back to Top)

What is Being Done to Save Our Breath?

Partners for Clean Air is a coalition of regional businesses, transportation organizations, health advocacy groups and local governments committed to cleaning our air. Its goal is to improve overall air quality and public health by advocating voluntary actions in metropolitan Chicago and northwestern Indiana. Partners for Clean Air administers a voluntary ozone reduction program called Air Pollution Action Days. (Back to Top)

What is an Air Pollution Action Day?

Each day, air quality data is collected from a network of air monitoring stations located throughout the region. When data from these monitors indicate conditions are right for unhealthful levels of ozone and/or particulate matter, an Air Pollution Action Day will be declared. On an Air Pollution Action Day, the public will be asked to avoid ozone- and fine particle-generating activities until the health threat has passed. (Back to Top)

How Will We Know When it is an Air Pollution Action Day?

Various media sources will be notified to report the Air Pollution Action Day message through regional television, radio, and newspapers. Business, industry and local government Partners will notify their employees on the afternoon prior to an Air Pollution Action Day. The Air Pollution Hotline, 708-865-6320, which provides daily air pollution readings for the Chicago metropolitan area, will also report Air Pollution Action Days.  (Back to Top)

What Are Air Pollution-Reducing Activities?

Here are some simple voluntary actions we can all take to reduce ozone  and particulate matter air pollution:

Top 10 Tips List

1. Limit driving. Rideshare, walk or bike.
2. Take public transportation
3. Avoid excessive idling and abrupt starts.
4. Use E85 in your flexible fuel vehicle.
5. Use a charcoal chimney or electric starter instead of lighter fluid when grilling.
6. Limit use of household products that cause fumes.
7. Conserve energy at home to reduce demands on power plants.
8. Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.
9. Avoid burning wood in fireplaces.
10. Avoid using lawnmowers and other gasoline-powered equipment.

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How Can I Join Partners for Clean Air?

Businesses, industries, local governments and other organizations can become Partners for Clean Air by signing the Partners' Pledge and voluntarily taking actions to reduce air pollution. You can receive information about joining by calling 217-782-7326.

Citizens can become Partners by responding to Air Pollution Action Day announcements and by following the Top 12 Tips List.   (Back to Top)