Bright Spot: Air Quality Flag Program

Photo by Vladislav Klapin on Unsplash


This bright spot was originally published in the 100 Million Healthier Lives Change Library and is brought to you through partnership with 100 Million Healthier Lives and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Overview

Detailed Description

How can you tell if the outside air is unhealthy? Look up at the flag pole! The Air Quality Flag Program alerts participating organizations to the local air quality forecast and helps them to take actions to protect people's health. This is especially important for children (including teenagers), those with asthma, people with heart and lung disease, older adults, and anyone who is active outside.


Expected Outcomes

On unhealthy days, participants can use this information to adjust physical activities to help reduce exposure to air pollution, while still keeping active.


Cost Details

Purchase of five flags - $100

Key Steps for Implementation

  1. Identify champion(s)
  2. Purchase the flag/pennant set
  3. Register your organization at AirNow
  4. Educate your organization and community
  5. Fly the flag each day with the color indicating the corresponding air quality
  6. Take actions when air quality is unhealthy

Partnerships

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Required Staffing (FTEs)

  • Variable depending upon the organization
  • Flag
  • Flag pole, wall bracket or over-the-door flag hanger

Training

Fact Sheet Overview Activity Guidance Teacher and Student Materials Coordinator Handbook

Types of Staff

  • Manager
  • Office Director
  • Principal or other organization leader
  • Office staff
  • Hospital staff
  • Teachers
  • Retirement community staff
  • Park Rangers
  • Librarians
  • Support personnel


Outcome Measures

Reduced exposure to air pollution

Process Measures

Air Quality Index

Resources

Webpage for Air Quality Flag Program
Air Quality Flag Program
Resource - Website/webpage
Brought to you by AirNow
Webpage for Air Quality Resources for Teachers
AirNow for Teachers
Resource - Website/webpage
Brought to you by AirNow
Website for Asthma
EPA: Asthma
Resource - Website/webpage
Brought to you by EPA
Webpage for Older Adults and Air Quality
Older Adults and Air Quality
Resource - Website/webpage
Brought to you by AirNow
Webpage of Healthy Heart Toolkit and Research
Healthy Heart Toolkit and Research
Resource - Website/webpage
Brought to you by EPA

 Related Topics


Card image
Clean Air