Frequently Asked Questions

How can I report air quality problems?

You can call our complaint line 24 hours a day at 954-519-1499.

Why is air quality important?

Air quality is very important. It can seriously affect our health and the health animals, plants, and other natural resources that can be harmed by the air pollution emitted by power plants, factories, cars, trucks, and other sources.

Who is most at risk for breathing polluted air?

On the whole, air pollution affects children, the elderly and people with heart and lung disease the most. Pregnant women and people who work or exercise outside are more likely to be adversely affected by air pollution.

I am planning to purchase a house in Broward County . How can I find out all the possible pollution sources nearby?

You can call us at 954-519-1220 with the complete address and zip code of the house you are planning to purchase and we can provide a list of all the air pollution sources permitted in that area.

What are the major air pollution sources in Broward County ?

• Automobiles
• Petroleum Terminals
• Electric Utility Companies
• Landfills

How can I find out the daily air quality in Broward County ?

You can call the Air Quality Index line at 954-519-1280. This information is updated daily.

What is the pollen count in my city?

Go to www.pollen.com and enter your zip code or city name.

Where can I get brochures and educational materials related to air quality?

You can call us at 954-519-1220 requesting specific information and we will mail you an information package. You can also look for a specific subject in the Planning and Mobile Sources Section Public Information/Education webpage at www.broward.org/air and place a request.

What can I as an individual do to improve air quality in South Florida ?

Click on Pollution Solutions or click on the What Can You do? button.

If ozone is so bad, what about saving the ozone layer?

The ozone is good up high and bad nearby. Go to Ozone.

What things can I do to prevent global warming?

Go to www.broward.org/air and click on the Global Warming button in the left column.

What is particulate matter?

Particulate matter includes a variety of pollutants that are suspended as particles in the air, such as road dust, diesel soot, fly ash, wood smoke, and sulfate aerosols. The Air Quality Division monitors and regulates particulate matter (PM) of 10 microns and 2.5 microns.

Where do fine particles come from?

Combustion of fossil fuels is the principal source of fine particle emissions, including the burning of coal, oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, and wood in transportation, power generation, space heating, industrial boilers and diesel and gas-powered vehicles.

What can I do to help reduce particulate pollution?

You can choose cleaner and more efficient energy sources for home heating and cooling, transportation, and appliances. Carpooling, recycling and maintaining clean and efficient automobiles can make a big difference.  For more ideas on what you can do, click on the What Can You do? button.

How can I dispose of old appliances that contain Freon and/or chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's)?

You can ask a local solid waste firm if they are certified to transport appliances containing ozone depleting compounds and what they charge.

How do I get licensed or renew an existing license to handle Freon?

Call the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 1-800-296-1996 and select option 3.

Where can I call to complain about dumping Freon?

Call the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 1-800-296-1996 and select option 3.

Is open burning permissible and is a license required?

Open burning is allowed in Broward County under limited circumstances (agricultural, ceremonial, and fire-fighting training). An open burning license may be required by Broward County Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Open burning of solid waste for the purpose of disposal is prohibited in Broward County.

What can I do if I have problems with the air quality in my office, business or residence?

For indoor air quality problems call the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act hotline at 1-800-337-3742. For problems in a residence you can also call the Florida Department of Health at 954-321-3750.

What are the health effects that may be associated with poor indoor air quality?

There is a broad spectrum of health effects from poor indoor air quality. There may be no effect or significant effects for some individuals, as well as multiple variations in between. The effect on any one individual will be determined by the type of contaminant in the air, the quantity of contaminant, the duration of the exposure, and the individual's unique physiological response to the contaminant. Poor indoor air quality can be implicated in a variety of health related symptoms. These include coughs, eye irritation, headaches, asthma episodes, allergic reactions, lethargy, shortness of breath, itching eyes, nausea, dizziness, airborne infectious diseases, and in rare cases severe respiratory distress events.

What indoor air pollutants are found in buildings?

The air pollutants found in industrial buildings varies widely and depend on the type of activities performed. Non-industrial buildings are not likely to be a source of high levels of any indoor air pollutant. These may include: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, biological contaminants such as animal dander, molds and dust mites, volatile organic compounds (cleaning agents, solvents and other), radon , asbestos and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

What are the sources of indoor air pollutants in buildings?

There are many sources of indoor air contaminants. Some are brought by the building's occupants. Humans exhale carbon dioxide. New building materials can contribute to the presence of volatile organic chemicals (carpet, wallpaper, glues, particle board, furniture, etc). Radon naturally occurs in the subsoil and may migrate into the building. Lead is ubiquitous, appearing in the dust matrix as a result of previous lead-based gasoline and paint use. Molds and mites may grow when they are supported by high humidity and nutrient sources.

Who regulates tobacco smoking in public places?

The Florida Department of Health administers the Florida Indoor Clean Air. For information call 1-800-337-3742.

What are air toxics and how can they affect me?

Air toxics are chemical compounds in the air we breathe that interfere with our life processes and endanger human health. For more specific information click here Environmental Protection Agency to go to EPA's web page at www.epa.gov.

Where can I find information about radon in South Florida?

The agency that regulates radon is the Florida Department of Health. For information call the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4288 or 1-800-543-8279.

How do I know if my house contains asbestos?

Have your house inspected by a Florida licensed asbestos consultant or someone working under his direction, to determine if there is suspect asbestos containing material present.

Is a General Contractor qualified to determine the presence of asbestos containing materials in my home and handle them safely?

Florida Statutes 469 requires training and licensing for asbestos consultants and contractors to do an asbestos survey and to remove asbestos containing materials. There are exemptions for removal of asbestos containing roofing material and resilient floor covering. However, there are conditions attached to those exemptions.

How can I find out if there is asbestos in my child's school and if it is being managed properly?

Contact the school office. Each school has an Asbestos Management Plan which lists the locations of identified asbestos containing material within the school. Asbestos removal activities performed should be documented in the plan along with asbestos monitoring data.

How to notify for asbestos removal or demolition?

Asbestos notification forms are available at each local program office or district program office at no cost. The are also available on both the EPD and AQD websites by clicking on the "Licenses and Applications" button in the left colum. Notification of proposed asbestos removal or demolition should be submitted to the Air Quality Division at least ten (10) working days prior to start of proposed activity.

How to apply for an air license?

Click on the "Licenses and Applications" button in the left colum.

How to apply for a state permit?

Click on the "Licenses and Applications" button in the left colum.

Where should I send the permit application and application fee?

Permit application and fee should be sent to the Land Use and Permit Section, 115 South Andrews Avenue , Room A-240 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

To whom should the application fee be made payable to?

Funds for application processing should be made payable to the Broward County Board of Commissioners.

I own a Dry Cleaner where can I get an additional calendar for record keeping?

Call the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Tallahassee at 850-488-0114.

How to apply for a Parking facility license?

Click on the "Licenses and Applications" button in the left colum.