Air Pollution Action Day Notice Issued for July 17th
Saturday, July 16, 2011
CHICAGO, IL – The Partners for Clean Air and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are issuing an Air Pollution Action Day notice for Sunday, July 17th. The notice is to alert individuals in the Chicago Metropolitan area that as a result of the high temperatures and low wind speeds, there is a potential for elevated levels of air pollution, specifically ground-level ozone, which is expected reach unhealthy air quality levels for sensitive populations. Additional Air Pollution Action Days may be called.
An Air Pollution Action Day is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to be at or above the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category on the Air Quality Index. Sunday, July 17th is expected to meet these criteria, therefore, an Air Pollution Action Day is being declared. Ozone is at increased levels, posing a potential health hazard to sensitive populations, especially individuals with respiratory or pulmonary disorders and active children and adults. Those individuals should take special precautions and follow their physician prescribed regimen. Residents should keep cool and limit physical activity when air pollution levels are high.
As a result of an Air Pollution Action Day being called, Partners for Clean Air members, businesses and residents of the Chicago metropolitan area are asked to follow “Green Actions” (list follows) to reduce contributions to air pollution.
- Take public transit, Rideshare walk or bike.
- If driving, avoid idling, consolidate errands and run them after 7 p.m. when sunlight is not as strong.
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Set your thermostat up at least 2 degrees during the summer.
- Turn off and unplug electronics not in use.
- Use environmentally friendly household and cleaning products.
- Use a charcoal chimney or gas grill instead of lighter fluid when grilling.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment on Action Days.
- Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.
- Check your local daily air quality forecast or sign-up to receive your forecast via email at www.cleantheair.org!
The Partners for Clean Air coalition consists of businesses, government and health advocate groups committed to improving the region’s air quality through voluntary actions. More information can be found at www.cleantheair.org.
