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On Dec. 7, the Illinois EPA released its 2004 Annual Air Quality
Report, showing air quality in Illinois as the best since the agency
began monitoring for air pollutants. This 34th annual report showed
that outdoor air conditions across the state were good or moderate
98 percent of the time last year. In 2004, there were no days when
air quality was deemed unhealthy, or category red, and there were
only seven days when air quality was considered unhealthy for
sensitive groups, or category orange, compared with 19 days in 2003.
Additionally, there were no days in 2004 when air quality exceeded
the federal one-hour or eight-hour standard for ozone.
"The Illinois EPA takes pride in the achievements the state has
made in regards to air quality," the agency director said. "We
continue our commitment to work further with individuals, businesses
and industry to continue environmental gains in Illinois."
Long-term trends continue to show reductions in all air
pollutants, including ozone, which is down 9 percent, and
particulate matter, down 10 percent.
"While annual trends show the statewide levels well below the
federal standards, there are still some areas in Illinois that do
not meet these standards," the director said. "The Illinois EPA
reaffirms its commitment to improve air quality in those areas that
do not meet current standards, throughout the state and in the
region."
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 "We are committed to providing a clean and healthy environment to
Illinois residents, and the 2004 report shows continued progress in
cleaning our air," added Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Meteorology also played a significant role in the cleaner air
Illinois citizens have been breathing. The improved air quality is
being partially attributed to 2004's mild summer, during which
temperatures stayed below 90 degrees for the most part.
The 2004 Annual Air Quality Report consists of data collected
from more than 80 different sites, using more than 200 monitoring
instruments. The Illinois EPA monitors for numerous pollutants,
including federal-criteria pollutants -- ozone, particulate matter,
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead.
The 2004 annual
report is available online at
www.epa.state.il.us.
Printed copies may be requested from the Illinois EPA's Bureau of
Air, (217) 782-9315.
[Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency news release]
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