The Sacramento Region remains high on the list of the most polluted metropolitan areas in the nation. Our air quality continues to adversely affect the health of our communities, especially our children and elderly. The good news is that we are making strides towards cleaning our air thanks to the many businesses, individuals, agencies and organizations committed to making the Sacramento Region a better place to live and breathe.

Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails sponsors numerous activities, coalitions and partnerships to help engage the public in clean air strategies. Below are our various projects:

Clean Air Awards

Annually, businesses, individuals, agencies and organizations are recognized for going above and beyond to make the Sacramento Region a better place to live and breathe. Nominations are gathered from the public and are judged by a "Blue Ribbon Panel" of community leaders.

Air Quality Index Activity Chart

The Air Quality Index Activity Chart is intended to be used as a guide to modify outdoor activities on poor air quality days. While this chart is designed around school-specific activities (recess, lunch, physical education) it can be used for anyone participating in outdoor activities.

La Tabla del Índice de Calidad del Aire Relativa ahora disponible in Español! Para información en Español, imprimale aqui.

Cleaner Air Partnership

Working for cleaner air with business, transportation, public health and environmental communities since 1986. To find out more, please visit the Cleaner Air Partnership Web site.

Local Air Pollution & Health Impact Studies

Studying the effects of Sacramento Valley air pollution on lung health. New study targets the effect of air pollution on local elementary school children!

A.I.R - Ask. Investigate. Resolve

Formerly the School Based Air Quality Assessment Project, this research, education and advocacy project is designed to allow students to conduct a scientific research project while learning about air quality issues. Through a multi-step scientific study students determine the air quality at their schools and build strategies to promote change, based on their research findings.

Clean Air Strategies

Our Clean Air Agenda is a list of simple and effective actions that you, your neighborhood, your local government, and your organization can take to help improve our region's air quality.

 

Protect Yourself From Unhealthy Air During the Summer Throughout the summer our region is plagued by unhealthy air. Not only do we have the high ozone pollution and wildfire smoke we are concerned about during the summer months, but we have unhealthy particulate pollution levels as well. When Particulate Matter (PM) is inhaled, these invisible specks can evade the lung’s defenses to enter the bloodstream, impacting both your lungs and your heart. For the health impacts of particulate pollution, click here. If you can see or smell smoke, we recommend the following: Avoid extended outdoor activity Keep your windows and doors closed with the air conditioning on “recirculation,” both at home and in your car Avoid using anything that burns Contact your care provider if you feel shortness of breath of chest tightness According to Dr. Arif Seyal, Chief of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, North Valley, Kaiser Permanente, and chair of our Asthma Collaborative: “If you are an asthmatic, be sure to use your controller medication as prescribed.  Before you go out and especially if you are going to be out for prolonged periods, make sure to carry your rescue inhaler. If you are experiencing sinus problems, a sinus rinse daily is recommended.” Visit www.sparetheair.com to sign up for air alerts and check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for air pollution forecasts and current levels in your area. To help you modify your outdoor activities on days with high ozone levels, click here.