May marks the beginning of ozone season. It’s a perfect time to promote the use of air quality forecasts and public awareness of how air quality can affect individual’s health. To help increase this awareness, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are encouraging people to “Be Air Aware: Keep an Eye on the AQI” as part of Air Quality Awareness Week. More information about air quality levels and clean air choices is available from www.airnow.gov and www.epa.ohio.gov/dapc/airohio/report_AQ_reports.aspx.
Air quality forecasts are provided by state and local agencies, using U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI), a uniform index that provides general information to the public about air quality and associated health effects. The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you.
U.S. EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health for several pollutants. Although Ohio EPA works hard to reduce emissions from power plants, industries and some products, individuals can also have a big impact on air quality. Any time you use energy – whether it’s gasoline, diesel, electricity or wood -- you contribute to air pollution in your community and communities downwind.
Saving energy reduces pollution – and it can save you money. Use the following guidelines from U.S. EPA to help keep air cleaner in your community.
These recommendations are especially important when ozone is expected to be unhealthy:
- Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
- Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Combine errands and reduce trips.
- Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
- Defer use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment for later in the day, or for days when the air quality is better.
- Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
- Limit engine idling.
- Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).
- Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
- Properly dispose of household paints, solvents and pesticides. Store these materials in airtight containers.
- Paint with a brush, not a sprayer.
- Buy low VOC paints for indoor and outdoor painting jobs.
You can help prevent or reduce unhealthy levels of particle pollution with these actions:
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
- Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.
- Replace your car's air filter and oil regularly
For more information go to the following websites: