Monitoring & Air Quality Data

Ambient Air Monitoring

Environmental Scientists are responsible for operating an extensive ambient air quality monitoring network in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties.

This program monitors the ambient levels of pollutants such as ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). It also operates a complex weather station. Federal health levels, or National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), are set for each of six major pollutants. This program monitors these six pollutants to ensure their levels do not increase above the NAAQS. This group coordinates closely with the Mid-America Regional Council and the other state and local agencies in the region to ensure that good data is collected and reported.

• Kansas City, KS Ambient Air Quality Data
• National Ambient Air Standards

Ozone

Ozone Season is March 1^st - October 31^st

Ground-level ozone is a naturally occurring compound formed by the reaction of emissions from motor vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, power plants, and industry in the presence of heat and sunlight. Since heat and sunlight are most prevalent during the summer, ozone levels are typically highest from June to August. Ground-level ozone formation is typically an issue in the summer.

High ozone levels harm the young, old, and people with chronic lung disease. Ozone is not created solely by industry. Coal-fired power plants and other sectors contribute to the problem. Every day, things make more than 60% of ground-level ozone. Things like what time of day you fill your car, your driving habits, and when you mow your lawn all impact Kansas City’s air quality.

Tips for reducing Ground-level Ozone

On the Road

• Take the bus, walk or ride a bike, (area bus fares are reduced on Ozone Alert days) or carpool to work. Call Rideshare at (816) 842-RIDE (7433) or visit ridesharekc.org for a free list of carpool partners.
  
  
• Drive at off-peak hours to reduce traffic congestion.
  
  
• Keep your car engine tuned.
  
  
• Ask a mechanic to check your emissions control system.
  
  

At Play

• Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon hours and avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.
  
  
• Plan activities that don't require motors or gasoline. Hike, bike, skate, swim, canoe, sail, golf, or play tennis and team sports.
  
  
• Keep engines tuned in boats and other recreational vehicles.
  
  

At Home

• Use a charcoal chimney instead of charcoal lighter fluid.
• Consider purchasing an electric mower, or push mower if your lawn is small.
• If you use a gas mower, keep it tuned and wait until evening to mow your lawn.
• Use water-based paints rather than oil-based ones.
• Limit the use of pesticides, furniture polish, paint thinners, solvents, and petroleum products.
• Keep solvents and petroleum products tightly capped.
  
  

At the Service Station

• Avoid spills to reduce gas fumes; don't "top off" tank; tighten gas cap.
• Wait until evening (after 7:00 PM) to fill your car with gas.