Know the Quality of the Air You Breathe
April 23, 2025
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAir quality refers to the cleanliness or pollution level of the air in a specific location at a given time. It can vary across regions due to different activities, environmental factors, and weather. Poor air quality can have significant impact on both human health and the environment.
While natural sources, like wildfires, can contribute to air pollution, the most common sources are human-made. These include transportation, industrial and manufacturing processes, household products, agricultural practices, and energy production. Common pollutants: Particulate Matter, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Are you at risk?
The groups most sensitive to poor air quality include children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or other chronic conditions. The short-term effect is difficulty breathing, while long-term exposure can lead to more serious issues, such as heart disease and an increased risk of cancer.
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What can you do?Monitor your air!To protect yourself and others from poor air quality, you can monitor conditions in our District via sensors, created by a company called Purple Air. We rely on these sensors, installed in Hastings, Superior, Red Cloud, and soon, two additional locations in Sutton and Kenesaw, to provide real-time updates every ten minutes. This ensures the most accurate and up-to-date air quality information specific to our counties. The Purple Air report at left is for Hastings, but you can see the conditions anywhere in Nebraska by clicking here. If air quality reaches the orange range (100 PM) or worse, we recommend minimizing outdoor exposure, especially for vulnerable populations. When poor air quality is detected, please help spread the word to those at risk. To maintain the best indoor air quality, consider using a HEPA filter or a MERV 13-rated filter. Air purifiers are also an effective option. If you have questions or want to learn more, call 402-462-6211 at our office and ask for Lauren. |