Air Quality

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Location:	Director:	Hours:	Contact:
Health Department 619 Ann Avenue Kansas City, KS 66101	Terry Brecheisen	Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM	P: (913) 573-6700 F: (913) 573-5634 E: Email

Air Quality is a local air quality program that works to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the citizens of Wyandotte County, KS. The goals of the department are met through the implementation and enforcement of local, state, and federal air quality laws.

Programs and services that are available to help maintain a healthier environment:

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 insure that 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 insure that good data is collected and reported.

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

Contact Information:
Rollin Sachs - Environmental Scientist | Email

Ozone

Official ozone season is April 1st - October 31st.

Ground level ozone is a naturally occurring compound that is 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 at their highest from June to August. Ground level ozone formation typically isn’t an issue until the summer.

High ozone levels are harmful to the very young, very old, and people with chronic lung disease. Ozone is not created solely by industry. Coal fired power plants and other industry contribute to the problem, more than (60) percent of ground level ozone is created by everyday things. 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 formation:

On The Road

Take the bus, walk or ride a bike, (area bus fares are only 50 cents on Ozone Alert days) or carpool to work. Call Rideshare at (816) 842-RIDE 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.
Limit 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 7PM) to fill your car with gas.

Permitting & Technical Services