Air Quality Flag Program
| May 1, 2002 | Posted by Kelico under Clear the Air for Kids! |
|
When air quality is poor, it causes respiratory problems, especially among children and those already suffering from asthma and other chronic lung illnesses.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the “Air Quality Index” (AQI) to help the community know when air quality reaches unhealthy levels so they can take appropriate action to protect their health. The AQI is divided up into five different colors – each color corresponds to a different level of health concern.
The Air Quality Flag Program uses colored flags based on the Air Quality Index from the EPA to indicate the outdoor air quality for each day. The four color-coded flags aare based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) from the NC Division of Air Quality.
Each morning, a colored flag is raised which corresponds to the color of the AQI for the region. The color of the flag indicates the level of air pollution and the recommended level of outdoor activity. By being aware of the air quality levels, you can take precautions to protect your family.
Toolkit for Schools:
- How to get started
- School Flag Program Fact Sheet
- Sample Air Quality article for newsletter
- Register your School Flag Program with the EPA
AQ Resources for Teachers & Health Professionals:
- EPA’s Air Quality Student Activity Sheets
- Ozone and Health: Online Course
- Sample AQ Map of United States
- Air Quality Word Search
Sign Up for Your Daily Air Quality Forecast
The best way to “know the code” is to sign up for a daily air quality forecast sent to you via email from the NC Division of Air Quality and US Environmental Protection Agency. Forecasts are sent at 3:00 p.m. daily so you can plan your next day’s activities based on the forecast.
To sign up for the Air Quality forecast scan the QR Code to the left or visit: www.enviroflash.info
You can also check the air quality forecast each day by dialing: 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224)
