Education
How Can You Help?
Air pollution affects every person on this planet. But we can learn how to reduce our exposure to air pollutants with education and resources. Below you will find tips on how you can decrease air pollution, as well as links to information and resources to gain more knowledge about air pollution.
When You're Out and About
Pollution from vehicle exhaust increases the amounts of ozone and particulate matter in our environment. Provided below are some simple tips on how you can help keep our air clean.
- Carpool, take public transportation, walk or ride a bike when you perform errands and always do your best to combine errands.
- Try to avoid running errands during peak traffic time to decrease the amount of time your car engine idles.
- Keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. A properly maintained car can decrease its emission by up to half!
- Refuel at cooler times during the day (mornings and evenings) to decrease the amount of ozone released from the fuel
When You're at Home
There are several ways you can help keep the air clean and not even have to leave your property. Listed below are some tips to remember when you are working on projects around the home.
- Avoid using gas powered equipment during the peak hours of the day. Try mowing after 6 p.m. or use a non-motorized mower.
- Let the grass get a little taller. A good goal is not to cut the grass any shorter than 3 inches.
- When painting or cleaning, make sure to keep the lid of the container on tight to prevent any evaporation into the air.
- Opt for a gas burning fireplace over a log burning one to decrease the amount of particulate matter being released.
Helpful Links
Sign Up For Air Quality Notifications via Email or Text
- Air Quality Report – Receive a daily email with the air quality, pollen/mold counts, and burning status.
- Air Quality Alert Email – Receive an email when air quality is unhealthy.
- Air Quality Alert Text – Text “Air” to 423-643-5971 to receive a text message when air quality is expected to become unhealthy.
- Enviroflash – Receive air quality notifications from airnow.gov by text message or email
Air Quality
- Airnow – Check current air quality conditions.
Government
Teacher and Student Resources
Games
Teachers
Air Pollution studies fit in perfectly with your science, math or language curriculum. The Bureau’s training staff is available to come speak at your school free of charge. Our programs are tailored to fit your students’ needs – from elementary school to college. We offer a variety of teaching methods including: videos, lecture and touring of our monitoring facilities and laboratories. Please contact our Public Relations Coordinator at 423.643.5989 for more information.
Classroom Resources
AIRNow – Real-time monitoring of air pollutants in your area
AIRNow Teachers kit – Offers valuable materials for teachers about air quality
Danger In The Air! – Grade 5-8 study of air pollutants and weather patterns
It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air – Gives teachers the tools and resources they need to present clean air issues to all age groups
Eek! The Air Around Us! – Environmental activities for kids
Speakers
The APCB’s expert staff is available to speak at your event free of charge. We offer a variety of options including: videos, lecture, and touring of our monitoring facilities and laboratories. Please contact our Public Relations Coordinator at 423.643.5970 for more information.
