IDEM introduces new “Local Air Quality Advisory” for short‑term conditions

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is introducing a new air quality notification, a Local Air Quality Advisory (LAQA), to alert residents of short-term conditions that can become unhealthy for several hours but may not meet the criteria to forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD).

“The new Local Air Quality Advisory helps us better communicate when air quality may be impacted temporarily,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “By adding this advisory, we’re giving Hoosiers clearer information concerning the air quality in their communities.”

LAQAs will supplement, not replace, IDEM’s long running Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) program. The agency will still issue Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) forecast notifications when fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) or ozone levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels throughout the day.  
 
Local Air Quality Advisories will help the public better understand and respond to short-term increases in PM_2.5, particularly during overnight or early morning periods when pollution can temporarily reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups due to weather or other conditions. 

PM_2.5 is made of microscopic particles that can enter deep into the lungs. Sensitive groups may be affected even during short-term spikes. Those at higher risk include: 

• Children 
• Older adults 
• Individuals with heart or lung conditions 

Conditions that lend themselves to LAQAs include: 

• Overnight temperature inversions that trap air/pollutants near the ground 
• Low wind speeds and stagnant air
• Accumulation of smoke or PM_2.5 from fireworks, leaf burning, or other sources
• Forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) values are expected to exceed 100 for several hours, but not all day.