Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Polk County Air Quality has launched a new online permit portal called EZ Air Permits Portal (EZAPP). With this portal you will be able to submit applications and documentation for Construction Permits, Annual Operating Permits, Burn Permits and Training Fire Permits. You may find a link for the portal on our website https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/public-works/air-quality/
Air pollution impacts animals and plants through a variety of pathways - directly through the air and indirectly through the water and soil. Air Quality Awareness Week is a great time to learn how air pollution impacts our ecosystems and the work that EPA is doing to protect air quality and our ecosystems. Learn more about how EPA researchers are delivering tools, data, and information necessary to accurately account for ecosystem services in decisions, and to help advance healthy, sustainable, and more prosperous communities visiting EPA's Ecosystems Research website.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, Tribal affiliation, or disability with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. EPA's AQAW is the perfect time to learn more about environmental justice and the work that EPA has done, and continues to do, to further address in equity of environmental harms and risks located in communities with environmental justice concerns.
Clean air is important to everyone, every day. Air Quality Awareness Week highlights the work that EPA and our partners are doing to understand how climate change is impacting air quality and address the connected challenges of climate change and air pollution. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is vital for addressing climate change and protecting air quality.
Did you know that May 7, 2024, is World Asthma Day? May is also Asthma Awareness Month! Air Quality Awareness Week is a great time to learn what asthma is, how air quality affects people who have asthma, and how to manage environmental asthma triggers to improve quality of life. #AQAW2024
Air Quality Awareness Week begins today and the first topic is Wildland Fires and Smoke. Wildfire smoke carries large amounts of particulates and gases. Smoke is lofted high into the air by the heat produced and can be transported by winds far from its origin. EPA and the U.S. Forest Service have developed the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to provide the public information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/