No matter where you live, having clean air to breathe is something you shouldn't have to worry about. While most of us think of smog or smoke as being the biggest offenders of clean air, there are other pollutants which can also impact how healthy the air is that you, and your children, breathe. That's where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Community Air Screen Program comes in.

Launched back in 2012, this program aims to conduct air quality tests throughout various neighborhoods in the Hudson Valley with the help of individuals as well as community groups. Sampling equipment is provided by the EPA with the actual sampling lasting about an hour.

The focus of this sampling is for what is called gaseous pollutants such as benzene (found in gasoline), perchloroethylene (used in some dry cleaning processes), and formaldehyde (released by some fossil fuel-burning engines). If these toxins are detected, the DEC will conduct additional testing.

Applications are currently being accepted for anyone who wants to participate. For more information or to complete an application, click here. Help keep Hudson Valley air clean and safe to breathe for you and your children.

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