The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51886

Susan Lyon Stone, MS, Health and Ecosystem Effects Group (C539-01), US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, 919-541-1146, stone.susan@epa.gov

This year, EPA is launching a major campaign to educate the public about particulate matter (PM) air pollution and the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM. In much of the country, the public is already familiar with the AQI for ozone, including EPA’s ozone outreach materials, or the AIRNOW Website (http://www.epa.gov/airnow) which has AQI forecasts, real-time ozone monitoring data and ozone maps in the summertime, and an AQI Kids' page. AQI forecasts are also carried in USA Today and on the Weather Channel. EPA is developing analogous products and services for communicating about ambient PM. However, in order for AQI forecasting and reporting for PM to become as widespread as it is for ozone, some State and local air agencies have to locate more continuous PM monitors. As part of this campaign, EPA is educating public health professionals and health care providers, who have an important role in delivering the PM health message. This presentation will summarize: (1) PM air quality in the U.S.; (2) the health effects associated with exposure to PM; (3) groups at greatest risk from exposure to PM; and (4) how the AQI can be used to help people reduce exposure to PM -- in typical situations, as well as emergency situations, such as smoky conditions from fires. Newly developed and planned EPA products and services will be described.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Access and utilize EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) information for ozone and particulate matter, including real-time air quality monitoring information, air quality forecasts, communication documents and Web-based instructional unit
• Describe the health effects associated with elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in the ambient air, including the groups most at-risk from exposure to PM.
• Describe how the AQI can be used to help people reduce exposure to PM.

Keywords: Air Quality, Risk Communication

Related Web page: www.epa.gov/airnow

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index and associated products Relationship (e.g. grants, employment, etc) Employer
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employer