Over the last few years, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has worked to improve its air monitoring network. This air monitoring provides timely updates for all Nebraskans, but the information is especially valuable for those who are sensitive to certain pollutants.

The Nebraska Ambient Air Monitoring Network operates to ensure the state is in compliance with the federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These standards are established for:

· Particulate Matter (PM)

o PM10 has a diameter of 10 micrometers or less
o PM2.5 has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less

· Sulfur Dioxide
· Nitrogen Dioxide
· Carbon Monoxide
· Ozone
· Lead

Nebraska is in attainment with the air quality standards – meaning the state’s air is cleaner than federal limits for all of these pollutants. This information can be used to protect the health and welfare of Nebraskans.

To improve the air monitoring network, NDEE installed three new samplers in 2020 that continuously measure PM2.5 concentrations every hour. PM2.5 is an air pollutant that is measured by tiny particles in the air that not only reduce visibility but can get trapped in the deep part of your lungs. A prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can cause permanent respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and heart disease. While PM2.5 impacts everyone, people with breathing and heart problems, children and the elderly are most sensitive.

In 2021, NDEE added to its sampling network by placing another continuous monitor at Homestead National Historical Park in Beatrice.

Results from the continuous monitors can be found on AirNow.gov, which gives up-to-date information on ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 across the U.S.

AirNow reports the air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The index is a color-coded system that outlines when pollutants are a concern and when outdoor activity should be avoided. Those who are sensitive to air pollution can use the guide to know when to take proactive measures to protect their health.

NDEE monitors air quality throughout the year and partners with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to issue smoke advisories if smoke from wildfires or prescribed burns may impact areas of the state. The agencies use AirNow and the AQI to communicate predicted air conditions. While these advisories may be issued at any time, they are more common during the spring, when the Flint Hills region of Kansas and Oklahoma often conduct prescribed burns.

Because pollution and particulate matter can affect one’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems, NDEE aims to protect public health through its air monitoring network.