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You might not be able to tell, but air quality across Southern Nevada is not always healthy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified 1,500 square miles as a nonattainment area for both carbon monoxide and particle pollution. This area includes the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas, and parts of unincorporated Clark County.
Nonattainment status means that pollution levels are likely to exceed federal and state limits on many days throughout the year. Poor air quality threatens economic prosperity, poses risks to human health and is harmful to the environment.
 Air Quality Alerts
The Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management (DAQEM) issues Air Quality Alerts if it anticipates that carbon monoxide, particle pollution (dust) or ozone may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range or higher within the next 12 to 24 hours.
Enviroflash is DAQEM’s notification system that delivers complete air quality advisories directly to you via email or text message. Enviroflash gives you instant information that you can customize for your own needs, allowing you to make good decisions that will help protect the health of you and your family.
Health Effects of Poor Air Quality
Ground-level ozone, particle pollution and carbon monoxide are all harmful to human health, especially for children, the elderly, outdoor workers and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Particle pollution affects these people as well as those with heart disease. The primary target is the respiratory system, but it also targets the heart and the immune system. Ozone is a reactive and irritating chemical. When inhaled, it can irritate and inflame the airways that carry air from the mouth and nose to the lungs.
Some people are more sensitive to air pollution than others, but at very high levels, everyone is at some risk. Everyone should minimize exposure by limiting strenuous activities anytime the air is in the "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" ranges of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
How to Protect Your Health
Become aware of your personal sensitivity to air pollution, and sign up for DAQEM’s
Air Quality Alerts. On days when an Air Quality Alert is issued, everyone should minimize exposure to outside air and reduce polluting activities as much as possible.
Driving Habits Affect Air Quality
Automobiles produce 85 percent of the Valley's carbon monoxide emissions, in addition to other smog-forming pollutants. Driving through desert terrain and kicking up dust also contributes to particle pollution in the Valley. To ensure our air quality meets federal standards, it is important to limit the number of cars on the road and use commute alternatives, such as transit, carpooling and vanpooling.
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