Elizabeth Robb Schmitz

American Lung Association Releases ‘State of the Air’ Report

        FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2008) – Today, the American Lung Association (ALA) released its annual “State of the Air” report, which tracks national pollution trends and assigns grades to counties based on their AQI (Air Quality Index) levels.

     The grades were assigned using a weighted average derived by determining the number of AQI days with unhealthy air quality values and multiplying the sums by assigned standard weights for data from 2004-2006.  The grades are not directly related to the Kentucky Division for Air Quality’s (DAQ) actual ambient air-monitoring data results, noted John Lyons, DAQ director.

In Kentucky, 12 counties’ grades improved, while only three counties’ (Daviess, McCracken, and Oldham) grades worsened.  While the calculated three-year average increased only very slightly, Daviess’ and Oldham’s grades decreased due to additional exceedances of the ozone standard. McCracken’s grade decreased due to fine particulate matter.

Boone, Edmondson, Fayette, Jessamine and McCracken counties received an “A” for improved ozone levels, while Bell and Perry counties’ grades improved to an “A” because of fewer problems with particulate matter.

A number of other counties also received better grades for enhanced air quality.  The better grades are attributed to additional controls placed on large utility and industrial boilers beginning in 2004.

Future improvements will be achieved by cleaning up diesel fleets, additional pollution controls required by the Clean Air Interstate Rule, and individuals taking action to reduce personal impact from mobile sources and power consumption, Lyons said.

Of the 25 cities in the nation with the highest levels of ozone and particulate matter, the Louisville-Jefferson County Metropolitan Statistical Area was the only Kentucky area listed, ranked at 18th for annual particulate matter. 

Despite overall air quality progress, Louisville moved from 21st to 18th on the list because other cities had more significant improvements in air quality. 

Long-term trends demonstrate that air quality in Kentucky continues to improve, benefiting public health and the environment.  National Air Quality Week, April 28 – May 2, 2008, creates an opportunity for Kentuckians to “Be Air Aware.” 

Information on air quality is available at the division Web site, www.air.ky.gov.

Elizabeth Robb Schmitz

Environmental Education Specialist
Kentucky Division for Air Quality
803 Schenkel Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: (502) 573-3382 ext. 416
Fax: (502) 573-3787