Air Pollution Advisory continues today for smog

An Air Pollution Advisory for smog remains in effect today for Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Warren counties.

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Temperatures are expected to be in the lower to middle 90s, with sunshine and light to moderate south/southwest winds, which are conducive for high levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, and may lead to elevated air pollution levels.

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The Air Quality Index reading is anticipated to be approximately 115 on Monday. It was 108 on Saturday and 112 on Sunday.

Any reading of 101 or higher is deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” according to The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency, which issued the announcement Thursday. The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency also issued an alert.

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Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less strenuous activities. Symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem.

Residents should contact their health care provider if any of these symptoms occur. The general public is not likely to be affected.

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Ground-level ozone (smog) is an irritant to the respiratory system formed when bright sunlight mixes with emissions from vehicles and small gasoline-powered engines. These emissions collect in a stagnant air mass and form smog.

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To reduce smog, especially on days when these notices are issued, residents are encouraged to do the following:

AVOID DRIVING IF POSSIBLE. Carpool, vanpool or take the bus. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50 percent of ground-level ozone. Walk or ride a bike for short trips.

REFUEL YOUR VEHICLE ONLY AFTER 8 P.M.: If you can avoid it, don't refuel when air pollution advisories have been issued. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem.

COMBINE ERRANDS if you have to drive or delay them until the advisory is lifted.

LIMIT YOUR USE of small gasoline-powered equipment such as lawn mowers.

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