Press Release Four Corners Health Department
Four Corners Health Department is pleased to share that a new air quality sensor, called a PurpleAir sensor, has been placed in our community. Thanks to a partnership with York Public Schools, this sensor is located at the high school in York. It will help support good health decisions.
Air Quality and Health
The air we breathe is key to living a healthy life. Learn about air quality to be sure you are taking all the steps you can to keep you and your family healthy.
The new sensor will track small particles in the air. Air pollution can be made of these particles. When we breathe in these particles, they can enter into our lungs and cause short-term or even long-term health effects. Some effects could include coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, irritation to the eyes or throat, and an increased risk for heart or lung disease. Those with conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or respiratory issues can be at an increased risk. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are also at a greater risk. In the future, York High School students will be learning about air quality and its effects as a part of this project.
PurpleAir Sensors
Collecting data every ten minutes, the PurpleAir sensor will help our health department keep an eye on changes in air quality. The PurpleAir sensor is part of a group of sensors across the state that are used to decide an Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area. The AQI is a measure of your air quality, which ranges from good (0-50), moderate (51-100), unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150), unhealthy for all (151-200), very unhealthy (201-300,) and hazardous (301-500).
It’s important to often check the air quality index (AQI) because there are steps that you can take to reduce exposure to air pollution on poor air quality days. You can avoid exercising outdoors and limit the time you and your family spend outdoors. You can see the sensor’s information and view an interactive map on the PurpleAir website here: https://www.purpleair.com/.
To learn more about the topic of air quality visit www.AirNow.gov.
For questions or to learn more, call Four Corners at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573. You can also email us at info@fourcorners.ne.gov.
Visit the Four Corners website at https://fourcorners.ne.gov. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel @fc_healthdept!
