Air Pollution Action Day Called for June 10th
Saturday, June 09, 2012
CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Partners for Clean Air and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are issuing an Air Pollution Action Day alert to individuals in the Chicago Metropolitan area. 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. This is the first Action Day to be issued for 2012.
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, June 10th 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 as well as 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.
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. May is also Air Quality Awareness Month in Illinois. Individuals are encouraged to share the air quality forecast and action day alert messages with friends and family to help protect their health.
- 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 energy efficient light bulbs.
- Set your thermostat up at least 2 degrees.
- 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 Air Pollution Action Days.
- Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.
- Sign-up to receive your forecast via email at www.cleantheair.org!
The Illinois 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.
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