These conditions are favorable for ground-level ozone, or smog, to form, according to the alert issued by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and Regional Air Pollution Control Agency for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble counties.
The Air Quality Index forecast is 101 for today.
Any reading of 101 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Older adults, children and anyone with respiratory diseases should cut back prolonged and heavy exertion. If spending time outside, anyone considered at-risk should take more breaks and do less strenuous activities.
Anyone coughing experiencing a shortness of breath or unusual fatigue should call their health care provider.
The general public is not expected to be affected and for most people it is OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less strenuous activities.
People are encouraged to do the following to reduce ground-level ozone:
- Avoid driving if possible. If not, combine errands or delay them until the Air Quality Alert is lifted. While driving, avoid excessive idling, especially at drive-thru windows.
- Refuel vehicles after 8 p.m., or wait until the alert is over. Make sure your gas cap is on tightly to avoid letting gas fumes escape.
- Limit the use of gasoline-powered equipment around the home, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, power trimmers and shredders.
- Mow lawns in the evening when sunlight is not as strong and smog is less likely to form.
For more information visit MiamiValleyAir.org, call 937-223-6323 or visit AirNow.gov.
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