RAPCA works with Ohio EPA to measure ambient air pollution through a net work of monitors. Monitor locations are determined using criteria set by U.S.EPA's Air Quality |
Air Quality Planning & Standards | US EPA. RAPCA primarily monitors for ozone and particulate matter.The data from these ozone and particulate matter monitors is used to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI uses a simple color coded system (Green, Yellow, Orange and Red) to report daily air quality and focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.
RAPCA issues AQI forecasts each day. if you’re interested in receiving these forecasts, or want to learn more about the AQI, please visit U.S. EPA’s Enviroflash website. Real time AQI can also be accessed on AirNow.
| Site | Pollutant(s) | Location | County |
| 49 | Ozone | Dayton – Eastwood MetroPark | Montgomery |
| 50 | PM2.5 | Dayton – Sinclair Community College | Montgomery |
| 611 | Ozone | Enon – Spangler Road | Clark |
| 615 | Ozone | PM2.5 | New Paris – National Trails High School (NCORE Site) | Preble |
| 616 | Ozone | Springfield – Urbana Road | Clark |
| 619 | Ozone | Casstown – Miami East High School | Miami |
| 621 | PM2.5 | Springfield – Fire Station | Clark |
| 6x | Ozone | Xenia – Government Center | Greene |
RAPCA issues daily air quality forecasts using U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI tells us how clean or polluted our outdoor air is, along with associated health effects that may be of concern. On days when the AQI is expected to exceed 100 AQI, RAPCA will issue an Air Quality Alert so the public can take actions to protect their health.
Air Quality Alerts Day Tips!
Protect Your Health - On Air Pollution Alert days, active adults and members of sensitive groups, which include children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities.
Take Action - On Air Pollution Alert days, do your part to help reduce air pollution.
- Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation.
- Refuel cars and trucks after the sun goes down.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment.
- Limit driving by combining errands and reducing trips.
- Avoid burning lawn waste, trash and other materials. Learn more about open burning and contact Montgomery County Solid Waste to learn about all your waste disposal options.
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace/wood stove use. If burning, be sure to follow best burn practices - burn the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance. Visit U.S EPA Burn Wise for more information.
- Limit engine idling – Turn the key and Be Idle Free.
AQI Scale
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | Levels of Concern | Values of Index | Description of Air Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | None | 0 to 50 | Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
| Moderate | Acceptable | 51 to 100 | Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Sensitive groups | 101 to 150 | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
| Unhealthy | Everyone | 151 to 200 | Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
| Very Unhealthy | Health alert | 201 to 300 | Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. |
| Hazardous | Emergency | 301 and higher | Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. |
How can I receive Air Pollution Alerts?
There are several ways to receive Air Pollution Alerts: 
- Sign up with EnviroFlash to receive free text or emails alerts.
- Follow us on Twitter.
- Like us on Facebook.
- Download the AirNow app to your mobile device.
- Follow local TV and print media: TV stations usually report alerts during their broadcasts. Dayton Daily News will post an Air Pollution Alert icon on the top right corner of the paper the day of an advisory.
- Messages will also appear on electronic highway traffic signs the day of an advisory.
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