RAPCA issues daily air quality forecasts using U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI tells us how clean or polluted our outdoor air is, along with associated health effects that may be of concern. On days when the AQI is expected to exceed 100 AQI, RAPCA will issue an Air Quality Alert so the public can take actions to protect their health.

Air Quality Alerts Day Tips!

Protect Your Health - On Air Pollution Alert days, active adults and members of sensitive groups, which include children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities.

Take Action - On Air Pollution Alert days, do your part to help reduce air pollution.

• Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation.
• Refuel cars and trucks after the sun goes down.
• Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment.
• Limit driving by combining errands and reducing trips.
• Avoid burning lawn waste, trash and other materials. Learn more about open burning and contact Montgomery County Solid Waste to learn about all your waste disposal options.
• Reduce or eliminate fireplace/wood stove use. If burning, be sure to follow best burn practices - burn the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance. Visit U.S EPA Burn Wise for more information.
• Limit engine idling – Turn the key and Be Idle Free.

AQI Scale

FAQ’s

What else can I do to help reduce air pollution?

• Conserve electricity - power generation is responsible for a large portion of the region’s air pollution. Reducing power consumption helps reduce air pollution.
• Keep your vehicle and gas-powered lawn equipment tuned-up.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
• Always burn clean, dry seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves.
• If using a non-certified U.S. EPA wood burning stove, consider upgrading to a certified wood burning stove.

How can I receive Air Pollution Alerts?

There are several ways to receive Air Pollution Alerts: 

• Sign up with EnviroFlash to receive free text or emails alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter. 
• Like us on Facebook.
• Download the AirNow app to your mobile device.
• Follow local TV and print media: TV stations usually report alerts during their broadcasts. Dayton Daily News will post an Air Pollution Alert icon on the top right corner of the paper the day of an advisory.
• Messages will also appear on electronic highway traffic signs the day of an advisory.

For which pollutants does RAPCA call Air Pollution Alerts?

RAPCA issues Air Pollution Alerts based on two pollutants: ozone and fine particulate matter. Alerts for ozone can be issued anytime between March and October and alerts for fine particulate matter can be issued any time of year, however, wintertime atmospheric inversions are the most likely time for fine particulate alerts to be issued.

Ozone is a respiratory irritant that can trigger asthma attacks, cause shortness in breath and unusual fatigue. Ozone is formed when pollution - volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) - mix in the atmosphere on warm, sunny days. Sources of VOC and NOx include vehicles, lawn equipment, power plants, open burning, and gasoline vapor. Ozone season runs from March – October. Visit U.S. EPA for more ozone information.

Fine particulate matter is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets that are suspended in the air. Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases resulting in asthma attacks, bronchitis, and even heart attacks. Fine particles can be emitted into the atmosphere or formed secondarily in the atmosphere. Visit U.S. EPA for more fine particulate matter information.