SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Panhandle Public Health District is partnering with communities across western Nebraska to expand access to local air quality information through a network of PurpleAir sensors.

The district said residents can check conditions by visiting map.purpleair.com, where sensors appear as colored dots over participating communities. The color and associated number reflect current air quality, with higher numbers and darker red colors indicating worse conditions.

PPHD said air quality in the Panhandle can change quickly and varies by season and time of day. In western Nebraska, the district cited wildfire smoke, pollen, dust and agricultural elements as common contributors to changing conditions.

Communities currently listed with sensors include Gordon, Hemingford, Alliance, Scottsbluff, Gering, Minatare, Bridgeport, Harrisburg, Gurley, Potter, Chadron, Oshkosh and Sidney. PPHD said communities interested in adding a sensor can contact the district.

The district also encouraged residents to use the Air Quality Index as a guide for outdoor activity. PPHD said green and yellow indicate generally good conditions, while orange can be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions. Red to dark red or purple, PPHD said, signals the need to cancel outdoor activities and limit any necessary time outside to light activity with frequent breaks.

For more information on air quality education for schools or communities, PPHD directed residents to contact Megan Barhafer at mbarhafer@pphd.ne.gov or 308-765-1939.