Residents and small businesses of Pennsylvania have likely heard about air quality action days where the Air Quality Index (AQI) gets into unhealthy ranges. When this happens, groups that are sensitive to air pollution should reduce exposure by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
Did you know that you can check your local air quality conditions at AirNow.gov? Operated by EPA with input from Pennsylvania DEP’s Air Quality Monitoring Division, AirNow relies on air quality sensors that are located in Pennsylvania to deliver real-time data for ozone and PM2.5.
Small businesses can use a tool such as AirNow as a way to manage their operations so that staff and employees are protected from potentially unsafe air quality conditions. During air quality action days, small businesses can do their part in reducing the production of fine particulate matter by limiting burning & incineration operations and minimizing the use of gasoline or diesel power vehicles and equipment.
Jeremy Hancher
Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC. He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management. He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.
