Air Quality in Arkansas

Air pollution affects everyone.  Every day the average adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air.  Children breathe even more air per pound of body weight and are thus more susceptible to air pollution. 

Arkansas is one of a handful of states in the country that consistently meets all federal air quality standards for criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and lead.  Areas of larger population typically have higher concentrations of ambient air pollutants. 

Sources that discharge emissions include motor vehicles, coal power generation, concentrated industries and fires, whether prescribed or wild.

Atmospheric gases consist of the major constant components (nitrogen 78%, oxygen 20.95%) and the highly variable components or trace gases (argon 0.93%, carbon dioxide 0.04%, water vapor 1%, other trace gases <0.08%).  It is the trace gases that impact our health and welfare.  In addition to trace gases, particulate matter is another major component that affects human health.

Even agricultural production can contribute to poor air quality.

• windblown soil from erosion
• nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from fertilizer and manure applications
• fine particulates from diesel engines and controlled burning of biomass
• methane emission from dairy cows and cattle
• pesticides from aerial drift of crop duster and from field volatilization

Problems associated with odor tend to be locally highlighted nuisances, while certain gaseous compounds, such as ammonia, can have a local or regional impact.  Greenhouse gases tend to have global concerns, gaining increased attention from the general public.

Air Quality Standards

Arkansas currently and consistently meets all federal air quality standards for criteria pollutants.

Learn more about air standards

Controlling Emissions

From crop planting to animal raising, agricultural activities present the potential for air pollution problems.

Learn more about emissions