During National Air Quality Awareness Week, SCDES Highlights Importance of Clean Air in South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
May 6, 2026 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — May 4-8 is recognized as National Air Quality Awareness Week, a nationwide initiative focused on the importance of clean air and its impact on public health and the environment. In South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) works year-round to protect and preserve the state’s air quality for residents and visitors. 

South Carolina meets all National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the six principal pollutants: particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead. These standards are established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help ensure healthy air. 

SCDES’s Air Program develops and implements strategies to reduce air pollution and maintain air quality statewide, including monitoring emissions, issuing permits, enforcing regulations and providing daily ozone forecasts during ozone season (April 1–Sept. 30). The agency operates 23 air monitoring stations across the state to track conditions and inform the public. 

Dylan Cobb with SCDES's Division of Air Quality Analysis gathers data from one of the agency's stations that monitors for particulate matter.

SCDES also offers an updated air quality forecast tool that provides easy access to daily air quality conditions and ozone forecasts across South Carolina at des.sc.gov/airqualityforecast.  

“Access to timely, reliable air quality information is key to helping South Carolinians make informed decisions about their health,” said Rhonda Thompson, Chief of SCDES’s Bureau of Air Quality. “Our updated air quality forecast tool makes it easier than ever to stay informed about local conditions and plan outdoor activities accordingly.” 

Through programs like Spare the Air, SCDES encourages residents to take simple steps to reduce air pollution on days when ozone levels may be elevated. Actions such as reducing vehicle use, avoiding idling and using electric lawn equipment can help improve air quality. 

“National Air Quality Awareness Week serves as a reminder that protecting our air is something everyone can help with through small, everyday choices,” Thompson said. “Actions taken at home and in our communities can collectively make a meaningful difference in reducing emissions and preserving South Carolina’s air quality for future generations.” 

Residents can view current conditions, access forecasts and learn more about protecting air quality at des.sc.gov/air and sign up for alerts through EnviroFlash. 

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