DEQ monitors air pollution at many locations throughout the state. At high levels, ground level ozone and particle pollution may raise health concerns in some people. The map below shows the current estimated air quality index, or AQI, which is used to describe how clean the air is, and what health effects might be expected.

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Ground-level ozone is the main ingredient in smog. It is a colorless gas formed by the reaction of sunlight with vehicle emissions, gasoline fumes, solvent vapors, and power plant and industrial emissions. Ozone formation is most likely in hot, dry weather when the air is fairly still.

Two ozone exceedances occurred in Northern Virginia on both August 27 and August 28, 2024, and one exceedance occurred on August 29, 2024 in the Richmond area (Henrico County). The location and 8-hour average ozone concentrations can be found in the Ozone Exceedances - Calendar Format spreadsheet. An exceedance occurs when an 8-hour average ozone concentration at a monitor is above 70 ppb, the health based standard set by EPA. The number of days with ozone exceedances in previous years by location can be found in the Ozone Exceedances spreadsheet on the Air Quality Reports page.

Particle pollution monitoring is now available on the web for select areas in Virginia. Particle pollution is made up of particles found in soot, dust, smoke, and fumes. The burning of coal, oil, diesel, and other fuels produces these particles. The particles are small enough to enter deep into the lungs and cause health problems.

Ozone and particle pollution have been linked to short-term health concerns, particularly among children, asthmatics, people with heart or lung disease, and older adults. The effects of these pollutants can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise when levels are high. You can use the forecast for the following day to plan your activities during the summer months. More information on the health effects of air pollution is available from AirNow.

Questions about the air quality forecast can be sent to Dan Salkovitz, Kristen Stumpf, or Mike Kiss.