DNREC speaks on Air Quality in Delaware

Clean Air Month

DELAWARE – May is Clean Air Month, and Delaware is making strides to protect air quality and keep the public informed.

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Division Director for Air Quality is Angela Marconi. She says they constantly work on outdoor air quality to meet EPA standards. Many things can affect air quality from local facilities, the cars we drive, and even fires in foreign countries. Marconi says they always send forecasts and updates through List Serve and are even connected to a mobile app.

“Air quality is important because we all breathe air- all day, every day… What we’ve been trying to help people understand is how to get information about what the air quality is so they can make decisions that are protective of their health… If you check the air quality on airnow.gov and it’s good, it’s a great time to open your windows and get some fresh air.”

The DNREC Division of Air Quality monitors the ambient air quality and regulates air emissions, asbestos removal and open burning. The division also advises the Secretary of DNREC on possible new air regulations and supports the enforcement of existing regulations.

The Division of Air Quality says residents should check their filters regularly. They say individuals with poor respiratory health should protect themselves with a mask when going outside during peak times, or by staying indoors.