Does getting an “A” for ozone or short-term particle pollution mean that I don’t need to worry about air pollution in my area?
Any area that received an “A” had no days during 2000-2002 when ozone or particle levels reached the unhealthy ranges of the Air Quality Index. That means that levels stayed within ranges that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as “Good” or “Moderate.” Receiving an “A,” however, does not mean that an area is safe forever. It means that individuals, the community, business and industry must minimize air pollution emissions so that air quality does not degrade to unhealthful levels. Also, some very sensitive individuals (e.g., people with asthma and heart disease) may experience health problems even at levels in the “Moderate” category.
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- Does getting an "A" for ozone or short-term particle pollution mean that I don’t need to worry about air pollution in my area?
