It’s Clean Air Month
Do you know your Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index is a daily warning system to alert citizens to predicted levels of air pollution that may be higher than normal. The index provides the current conditions as well as the next day’s forecast and is accessible online by clicking here.
On days when the air is forecast to be code orange or above, especially if you have heart or lung disease, make arrangements to reduce the time you spend outdoors. Some tips include planning your outdoor activity or exercise for the morning when ozone levels are generally lower, shortening your outdoor exercise, doing less-strenuous activity like walking instead of running, exercising inside, or planning your activity for another day when the air quality is better. For more tips, click here.
Open Burn Permits
Remember open burning can contribute to air quality, so please get a permit and adhere to the guidance. An open burn permit provides an individual with the right to burn certain materials under particular guidelines, which take potential health and environmental effects into account. Open burning policies are outlined on the permit application.
To better serve residents, Knox County's Air Quality Management Department created a convenient online application process for requesting open burn permits. Click here for more information on open burning, including the online application.
For more information about Air Quality Management, click here or call 865-215-5900.
Want more ideas for how you can improve air quality? Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website by clicking here.
