Second Consecutive Air Pollution Action Day Alert for June 29th
Thursday, June 28, 2012
CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Partners for Clean Air and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are issuing a second Air Pollution Action Day alert to individuals in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Regional air quality is expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category on the national Air Quality Index. Data indicates that ground-level ozone has been elevated in the area and, as a result of continued high temperatures and low wind speeds, is expected to be elevated for Thursday, June 28 and Friday, June 29. Friday will be is the third Action Day 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 for multiple days. June 28th and 29th are expected to meet these criteria; therefore, the second Air Pollution Action Day has 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 region are asked to follow “Green Actions” (list follows) to reduce contributions to air pollution and to share air quality forecasts and Action Day alerts with colleagues, 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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