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Air & Radiological Protection Division
The Air and Radiation Protection Division operates the Jefferson County Department of Health Air Pollution
Control Program and the Radiological Health Program. The Air Pollution Control Program, one of two "local"
or "metro" air programs within the State of Alabama, is responsible for regulating all air emissions sources in
Jefferson County. The air program works closely with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in enforcing Federal, State, and local regulations, reviewing applications
and issuing permits for air pollutant sources, operating a large scale air monitoring network, and planning control
strategies to achieve and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The Air Program publishes a daily
Air Quality Index, provides a Web site, EMPACT Birmingham, for public access to near real time air quality data from its
monitoring sites, and issues a daily air quality forecast in conjunction with EPA's national EnviroFlash program,
found at www.airnow.gov. The Air Program also serves as a partner/participant in the Air Quality Action Program
through the Alabama Partners for Clean Air which is dedicated to addressing air quality issues, especially regarding
ozone and fine particulate, within Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
The Radiological Health Program enforces State and local regulations for ionizing radiation devices and tanning salons.
Its activities include inspection of equipment and review of operating procedures of x-ray and tanning facilities.
The Radiological Health Program also inspects and assesses for lead contamination those residences of children in
Jefferson County who have elevated levels of lead in their blood, and provides services in the detection and evaluation
of indoor air pollution including radon.
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