THIRD CLEAN AIR ACTION DAY CALLED THIS WEEK FOR FINE PARTICLE POLLUTION IN DANE COUNTY

EFFECTIVE ALL DAY THURSDAY, 3-11-10

The Dane County Clean Air Coalition (CAC) has announced this week’s third Clean Air Action Day for fine particle pollution for all day Thursday, March 11th. Since Sunday, Dane County has experienced consistent levels of fine particle pollution that exceed the federal threshold for "unhealthy for sensitive groups" such as children, older adults, people with asthma or heart disease and adults engaged in vigorous outdoor activities.

The duration of this air pollution episode is significant because people who are at risk are more vulnerable after several days of high particle pollution exposure. Read today's press release to learn what you can do to reduce emissions and protect public health...

DNR Explains Recent Particle Pollution Episode -- 3-10-10

Fine particle pollution is a complex mix of miniscule solid and liquid droplets from many different sources. Based on data analyzed so far, the dominant pollutant for these winter episodes of fine particle pollution is ammonium nitrate, formed in the atmosphere when nitric acid reacts with ammonia. The ammonia comes from multiple sources including animal waste, cars, and waste water treatment plants. Read more...