Frequently asked questions about Air Quality Advisories

What is an Air Quality Advisory, and when does DNR issue one?

The Department of Natural Resources issues Air Quality Advisories based on real-time monitored values as a public service; these advisories are not required by rule or law. Advisories are issued for particle pollution (PM2.5) or ozone, or both, when monitored values reach the orange level (unhealthy level for sensitive groups) for one or both pollutants. Sensitive groups for particle pollution include the elderly, children and anyone with a heart or lung condition.

Is an advisory the same as an Air Quality Watch?

No. DNR issues a advisory based on actual, monitored values of ozone or particle pollution, or both. In contrast, an Air Quality Watch is called when DNR anticipates elevated pollution levels the following day.

How can I protect my health during an air quality advisory?

The health message DNR uses complies with messages developed by EPA as part of the Air Quality Index (AQI) [exit DNR]. Emphasis is on taking it easy, reducing strenuous activity, being aware that ozone and particle pollution can aggravate cardiac and lung conditions.

When an Air Quality Advisory is issued, people in sensitive groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities. People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms.

What can I do to help during an Air Quality Advisory?

There are many actions that reduce emissions leading to ozone formation and fine particle pollution--particularly actions that reduce combustion emissions.

• Reduce driving when possible and don't leave your vehicle's engine idling.
• Postpone activities that use small gasoline and diesel engines.
• Minimize all kinds of burning. Depending on the time of year, this includes woodburning fireplaces, stoves, boilers and outdoor fires, as well as illegal open burning in burn barrels.

Wisconsin contacts

Ozone Contact: Larry Bruss, DNR Regional Pollutant & Mobile Sources Section Chief, 609-267-7543

For Air Quality Information: (position vacant), DNR Air Monitoring Section Chief, 608-266-7718

For Health Information: Dr. Henry Anderson, Dept. Health and Family Services, 608-266-1253

Additional information

• DNR's statewide air quality webpage
• Particle Pollution: Frequently Asked Questions
• American Lung Association [exit DNR]
• U.S. EPA AIRNOW [exit DNR]
• Air Quality Index: A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health [PDF ]
• U.S. EPA "Where You Live" Wisconsin air quality forecasts [exit DNR]
• Ozone and Your Health [exit DNR]
• How Ground-level Ozone Affects the Way We Live and Breathe [exit DNR]
• Particle Pollution and Your Health [exit DNR]
• How Particulate Matter Affects the Way We Live & Breathe [exit DNR]
• How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health [exit DNR]

Air Quality & Health