March 1st marks the beginning of the 2022 ozone season
March 1st marks the beginning of the 2022 ozone season, as state and local environmental agencies renew their daily air quality forecasts for ozone across Iowa. From now through October 31, the daily air quality forecasts from the Polk County Air Quality Division will include forecasts for ozone as well as our year-round forecasts for fine particle pollution. The county-based forecasting gives users up-to-date and localized forecasting for Polk County, including the next day's forecast.
Ozone Air Pollution: Ozone forms in the air when nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with hydrocarbons on warm, sunny days with little wind. Ground-level ozone comes from pollution emitted from cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and chemical plants. Ozone pollution can even come from paints, cleaners, solvents, and motorized lawn equipment.