The Air Up There

Did you know that DEC has a team of meteorologists using the latest science to keep New Yorkers informed about air quality across our state? This week, Sean and Erica are joined by DEC air pollution meteorologists Abigail Komarc and Sarah Lechleitner who explain the Air Quality Index and how to use it, how weather conditions and different seasons can affect air quality, whether we have to worry about wildfire smoke again this summer, and what it’s like to measure air quality in Antarctica.

 

Episode Notes:

• VIDEO: DEC Meteorologists Monitoring Air Quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tCkeTiH0do
• Air Quality Index forecast and current observations for New York State: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-index-forecast-current-observations
• Air Now - U.S. Air Quality Index (EPA) https://www.airnow.gov/
• Download the AirNow mobile app: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/
• Exposure to Smoke from Fires (NYSDOH) https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/smoke_from_fire.htm
• Annual State Burn Ban: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/open-burning
• Tentative Civil Service exam schedule: https://www.cs.ny.gov/announ/tentative_schedule.cfm
• Environmental Bond Act Website: https://environmentalbondact.ny.gov