 Air quality in 20111 was either good or moderate more than 92
percent of the time throughout Illinois, similar to the 91 percent
recorded in 2010. Illinois recorded no "unhealthy" (category Red)
days in 2011, but did experience 31 days when air quality in some
part of Illinois was considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups"
(category Orange).Ten-year trends continue to show overall
decreases for all criteria pollutants, that is, pollutants for which
air quality standards have been developed: particulate matter 10 and
2.5, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and
lead.
"We are proud of the achievements Illinois has made in terms of
air quality," said Illinois EPA Interim Director John Kim. "While
air-quality standards continue to become more stringent, the
Illinois EPA remains committed to meeting all current and future
standards and is dedicated to continually improving air quality."
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The Illinois EPA continues to maintain an extensive air
monitoring network; however, in 2011 some sites and monitors within
the network were discontinued. Those changes occurred in areas where
ambient air quality has shown to be well within National Ambient Air
Quality Standards. The decrease in sites and monitors included the
elimination of nine monitoring locations and discontinuation of 41
monitors. The changes in the state's air monitoring network continue
to meet U.S. EPA regulatory criteria.
In addition to issuing its annual Air Quality Report, the
Illinois EPA also provides daily air-quality information through the
agency's website to better inform residents and businesses. Daily
air-quality forecasts using the national Air Quality Index are
issued for 14 sectors throughout the state. Daily data on ozone and
fine particulate matter is also provided, including any exceedances
of federal standards. For additional air-quality information, visit
www.epa.state.il.us/air/air-quality-menu.
[Text from
Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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