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What is air quality?
The amount of pollution in the air from all sources - natural and human - defines the quality of the air we breathe.  Air pollution isn't limited to our cities; it can blow into any part of Oklahoma from neighboring states.

Why is it important?
Bad air quality can affect everybody's health.  It can have direct effects on the lungs, and it can worsen an existing condition, such as asthma.  Some people are more sensitive to air pollution than others.  These include young children who are growing rapidly and older adults who have reduced immune systems.
 
Poor public health also incurs economic costs for society, e.g., increased healthcare costs and loss of working days.  And a clean environment makes Oklahoma an attractive place to live, work and play: something we can all be proud of.

What does the Air Quality Division do?
Most importantly, we work to effectively protect the public health in Oklahoma.  We do this by:

• Monitoring the air quality across Oklahoma and warning and advising the public when conditions could be hazardous to their health. Oklahomans can then avoid or reduce their exposure to air pollution, as well as helping to clean the air.

• Implementing the state and federal Clean Air Acts to reduce emissions and improve air quality in Oklahoma.  AQD recommends adoption of Air Quality Rules and operates regulatory programs that realistically balance the needs of all the state's stakeholders.

• Providing useful air quality information and resources to the public and to regulated industries.

• Responding quickly to public concerns and complaints about air quality.

More information about the Air Quality Division

To reach the main AQD programs use the links on the right or the pulldown menu at the top left on any AQD page.

Page last updated: May 7, 2008