Pollution Prevention
Air Quality
Many of the issues impacting air quality in Baltimore are influenced by factors outside of the city.
However, there are actions we can take locally to help improve the air we breathe. The EPA has created an Air Quality Index that is used to track and report daily regional air quality. A Code Red designation is applied on days when outdoor air quality is deemed unhealthy for everyone and limiting outdoor activities is recommended. Code Orange designation is applied on days when the air quality is deemed unhealthy for sensitive populations such as children and older adults. In 2007, Baltimore experienced four Code Red and 23 Code Orange days. Baltimore City, along with several other local jurisdictions in Maryland, is currently out of attainment with federal fine particle pollution standards. The goal is to eliminate Code Red days, minimize Code Orange days, and bring Baltimore into compliance with federal air quality standards. Here are five strategies that can help:
- Add an air quality and climate change implication evaluation to all government-funded projects
- Create Code Red/Orange day policies
- Explore options for more efficient fleet conversion
- Institute and enforce a city-wide no-idling policy
Metrics
Partner Organizations:
What You Can Do:
- 1Drive less. Instead use public transit or, better yet, try walking or biking to your destination.
- 2Keep your car and boat engines tuned and tires filled to improve fuel efficiency and reduce air pollution
- 3If in the market for a new car, look for the most efficient, lowest polluting vehicles. California offers a great guide to low-polluting vehicles.
- 4Trash placed out the night before must be in a lidded container and please be careful to avoid blocking alleyways and sidewalks
- 5Select paint products that are water-based or have low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- 6Avoid gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers that create air pollution. Instead, use manual or electric lawn mowers and rakes.
- 7Use less energy at home
- 8Tightly seal the lids of chemical products and solvents, like lawn products and household cleaners, to minimize evaporation into the air