Breathe Easier This Summer

Summer in Columbia is a great time to get outside, explore local parks and trails, and enjoy everything our community has to offer. It is also a good time to pay closer attention to air quality. Heat, sunlight, vehicle emissions and other pollutants can all affect the air we breathe, especially on hot summer days.

One helpful tool is the Air Quality Index, or AQI. The AQI is a simple, color-coded scale used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to report outdoor air quality and related health concerns. Green means air quality is good, yellow means moderate, orange means unhealthy for sensitive groups, and higher levels mean more people may need to adjust outdoor activities. The higher the AQI, the greater the level of air pollution and potential health concern.

Why Heat Matters for Air Quality

Ground-level ozone is one of the main air pollutants to watch during the summer. Unlike the protective ozone layer high in the atmosphere, ground-level ozone forms close to where we breathe. It is created when pollutants from sources like cars, power plants, equipment and certain chemicals react in sunlight.

That means hot, sunny days can make ozone pollution worse. Warmer temperatures may also contribute to more ozone smog over time, which can affect lung and heart health. Children, older adults, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, and people exercising outside may be more sensitive to poor air quality.

Check Before You Head Out

Before spending a long time outdoors, check the AQI for Columbia through AirNow or Missouri’s current air quality resources. Air quality can change throughout the day, so it is especially helpful to check before outdoor exercise, sports practices, yard work or other activities that involve heavy breathing.

You can also sign up for air quality notifications through AirNow’s EnviroFlash emails so you know when conditions may affect your plans.

On poor air quality days, consider:

• Moving outdoor exercise to the morning or evening.
• Taking breaks indoors.
• Choosing lighter activities instead of strenuous ones.
• Keeping windows closed if outdoor air quality is poor.
• Paying attention to symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or throat irritation.

Reduce Pollution with Small Summer Choices

Stephen’s Lake Park. Image Credit: VisitColumbiaMO.com

Many everyday transportation choices can also help improve local air quality. When practical, try biking, walking, taking Go COMO, carpooling or combining errands into one trip. Go COMO offers fare-free routes around Columbia, and trip planning is available through Google Maps with real-time bus tracking through the ETA SPOT app.

Download the ETA SPOT app. Image Credit: Go COMO

Summer is also a great time to rethink travel plans. Before heading out of town, consider a local vacation or day trip first. Columbia Parks and Recreation oversees more than 3,800 acres of parkland, 75 parks and more than 62 miles of trails, giving residents plenty of ways to enjoy summer close to home. Spending time locally can reduce transportation emissions while supporting a healthier, more connected Columbia.

Cleaner air starts with small choices that add up. This month, check the AQI, sign up for air quality alerts, choose lower-emission transportation when you can, and take advantage of Columbia’s parks, trails and local destinations. Together, these steps can help protect our health while supporting a more resilient, sustainable summer.