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Air Quality

Good air quality is vital for outdoor enthusiasts, who are vulnerable to elevated ozone levels and to airborne particles that cause haze.

Ozone

Ground-level ozone (not to be confused with that in the stratospheric “ozone layer”, which blocks harmful UV radiation) is formed when air pollutants from power plants and vehicle exhaust react with sunlight. Because of their oxygen requirements, physically active individuals are generally more sensitive to higher levels of ozone, which can cause temporary damage to lungs. Hikers are further affected because ozone levels are often higher on mountain peaks than at lower elevation.

You can check ground-level ozone levels before your next outdoor activity. Air quality forecasts are available from Hikers for Clean Air or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Haze

An additional pollution concern for hikers is haze, which is the visible effect of airborne particles. Not only does haze impede the view from our favorite mountaintops, it also decreases our lung capacity during outdoor activities - if you can see haze, you are breathing in the particles that cause it. Haze pollution is a serious concern throughout the Appalachian Mountain Range.

AMC’s dedication to improved air quality

In an effort to increase its air quality database and educate its members about air quality concerns, AMC launched its Visibility Volunteer (VizVol) program in 2003. The program, part of AMC’s “citizen scientist” Mountain Watch program, is designed to collect ozone and haze data from the peaks that AMC members frequent. Participants record ozone levels using a simple, credit card-sized device, and document visibility using a digital camera. AMC researchers will combine these measurements with weather data to track air quality trends in the Appalachian region.

It’s easy to get involved in this effort!

We’re looking for Visibility Volunteers to collect air quality data from the Berkshire region.

In addition to your volunteer data-collection efforts, there are simple steps that you can take to improve air quality, given that ozone and haze result from power plants and vehicle exhaust:

  • Reduce energy consumption. Consider carpooling, public transit, and other means to decrease fuel emissions, and conserve electricity at home and at work. Encourage others to do the same.
  • Write to your elected officials to encourage their support of clean air legislation.
  • Join AMC’s Conservation Action Network (CAN) to stay informed about air quality and other important conservation issues that affect AMC members.
  • Visit EPA’s website to get additional pointers to reduce air pollution.
  • Become involved in the chapter’s conservation activities!