Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency is extending the Air Quality Alert for FRIDAY, JULY 28 through 11:59 PM for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.
The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Because there are two air pollutants with high concentrations, the general public is encouraged to limit their outdoor exertion, especially children, those with respiratory illnesses, and older adults. Refer to U.S. EPA’s health guide here.
Code Orange days mean that pollution levels will be hazardous for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Everyone can help reduce ozone formation by taking the following actions:
- Telecommute if your employer permits.
- Do not idle your vehicle; exhaust contributes considerably to ozone formation.
- Combine trips or eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips.
What to Do During an Air Quality Alert
- Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving
- Refuel your vehicle after 6 p.m., do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
- Do not idle your vehicle
- Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
- Keep your vehicle maintained with properly-inflated tires and timely oil changes
- Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days
- Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days
- Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
- Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves
- Avoid using fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Alert days
- Conserve electricity
For more details on the Air Quality Index and its corresponding health messages, refer to AirNow. You may also choose to sign up for EnviroFlash, a free service and app that notifies you of daily air quality conditions based upon your personal settings that you control.
