The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has declared an Air Quality Action Day for all of Indiana Friday.
The Air Quality Action Day for ozone will be in effect from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Friday. An Air Quality Action Day means that a combination of the high temperatures, light winds, and other factors are expected to produce conditions where high levels of ozone emissions may exceed federally mandated standards, according to IDEM.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations, officials say.
Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors, officials say.
Officials recommend the public consider taking the following actions to help reduce ozone-forming emissions:
- Carpool or use public transportation;
- Avoid using the drive-thru and combine errands into one trip;
- Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time;
- Avoid using gas-powered equipment;
- Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting;
- Use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors;
As a reminder, officials say Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning. Residents can visit IN.gov/openburning for more information.
More air quality information can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov or by going to AirNow.gov.
