DAYTON, Ohio — The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission is pushing air quality awareness as it recognizes National Air Quality Week.

What You Need To Know

  • National Air Quality Week is May 5 to May 9

  • The 2025 theme is "Stay Air Aware"
  • MVRPC said there are several ways to contribute to reducing air pollution

The national week is from May 5-9, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and AirNow sharing messages alongside MVRPC centered on the 2025 theme, "Stay Air Aware." Each year, the week is dedicated to educating citizens about how to find information on their air quality and how they can improve it.

"The annual Air Quality Awareness Week is a way to highlight specific topics related to air quality in our Region," said Brian Martin, executive director of MVRPC. "There are multiple resources available to access the air quality index for your community. We want to promote all the options like the new U.S. EPA AirNow App."

The commission said there are several steps residents can take such as using buses, avoid idling while waiting or look into alternative transportation options like walking, biking or carpooling to help reduce air pollution. Other recommendations include using electric vehicles or battery-powered lawn equipment.

MVRPC said these steps all help reduce air pollution.

"In our region, on days when air pollution levels are forecasted to be high, MVRPC, in conjunction with Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA), will issue an Air Quality Alert," MVRPC said in a news release. "RAPCA is responsible for monitoring and reporting air quality readings in Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Darke, Preble, Shelby and Clark counties."

MVRPC said poor air quality can affect everyone; however, some populations are more susceptible to pollutants, such as children, adults who are active outdoors, older adults and people with chronic respiratory diseases.