Monday is an Ozone Action Day in southeastern Wisconsin.

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Ozone Action Days
Monday is an Ozone Action Day in southeastern Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan Ozone Action program logoWhen weather forecasts indicate ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) could reach an unhealthy level, Wisconsin DNR—in cooperation with environmental agencies in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana—will call an Ozone Action Day.

On these days, we encourage people in southeastern Wisconsin and elsewhere along southern Lake Michigan to do their share for cleaner, healthier air. Among the steps you can take are:

* Combining errands;
* Fueling car gas tanks at night;
* Mowing lawns after 6:00 p.m.;
* Properly inflating vehicle tires; and
* Carpooling, biking, walking or riding the bus to work.

If everyone took just a few of these simple, easy steps, it could make a big difference because—it all adds up to cleaner air.

Ozone Act Day called for Monday, June 27

An Ozone Action Day has been called for Monday, June 27th due to steady heat and build-up of background pollutants. The Ozone Action Day is in effect for Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington and Waukesha counties in southeastern Wisconsin. DNR has also recommended a Clean Air Action Day for Dane, Fond du Lac and Jefferson counties.

"Because ozone can cause respiratory problems in healthy individuals, and is especially problematic in those with chronic lung conditions like asthma, it is very important for the public to be aware of Ozone Action Days so that they can try to decrease outdoor exposure on those days, and also decrease activities that would increase the amount of ozone in the air, like driving or mowing their lawns," said Dr. Asriani Chiu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin.

Here are some ways you can breathe easier on an Ozone Action Day. Dr. Chiu suggests:
# Know before you go. Call the toll-free Daily Air hotline, 1-866 DAILY AIR, to find out the latest air quality reading in your area;
# Exercise in the morning or later in the evening, when pollution levels are usually lower;
# Spend less time participating in vigorous outdoor activities;
# Take it a little easier when you're outside. Don't overexert yourself;
# Limit children's prolonged, strenuous outdoor activity;
# and Pay attention to respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and discomfort when you take a deep breath.

Ground-level ozone-the main component of smog-is created when the emissions from motor vehicles, factories, motor boats, gas powered lawn equipment, paints and other household products "cook"; in the hot summer sun. To reduce your emissions on an Ozone Action Day, here are several easy ways you can help:
# Kick back and relax. Cut your lawn some other day or at least later in the day when it’s cooler. It's healthier for you, your lawn and the air.
# Refuel in the evening and tighten your gas cap. Refueling during the evening can prevent gas fumes from baking in the sun and creating ozone. Plus, tightening down your gas cap until it clicks 4-5 times ensures you have properly sealed your gas tank. By tightening down your cap, you are preventing up to 30 gallons of gas from evaporating out of your tank each year.
# Conserve energy. The fossil-fueled power plants that make the electricity you use at your home and work can contribute to poor outdoor air quality. By conserving energy, you can make it easier for power plants to reduce air pollution, in turn saving you money and benefiting the air. So, use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, and turn them off when you’re not using them. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they’re full.
# Care for your car. Regular maintenance and tune-ups, changing the oil and checking tire inflation can improve gas mileage, extend your car’s life and increase its resale value. It could reduce your car’s emissions by more than half!
# Plan your trips before you go. It’s easy! Chances are you’re already doing it-combining your errands into one trip and listening to the traffic report before you leave home. When you know before you go, you get things done more efficiently, which helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. When you first start a car after it has been sitting for more than an hour, it pollutes up to five times more than when the engine is warm.
# Take it slow. Be kind to your engine and your wallet by avoiding jackrabbit starts. Your vehicle will show its appreciation by giving you more mileage on every gallon.

Remember, every little bit helps, because it all adds up to cleaner air.

[keith]

Nice post - thanks for the info. Taking pause for thought adds up - with enough thinking, we'll get better at reducing waste and taking better care of our planet.

Regards,
Keith