For the fourth straight day, an air pollution health watch for ozone has been declared.
Officials of the Air Pollution Control Bureau had a watch on for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and another is called for on Tuesday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) on Tuesday is predicted to be 100, which is in the range that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, officials said.
This can have health effects for up to 50% of the population. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, it was stated.
People at risk include:
Children who are active outdoors
Adults of all ages exercising or working outdoors
People with asthma or other respiratory conditions
People with unusual susceptibility to air pollution
Officials said you can help by following these pollution-reducing suggestions:
Reduce Fuel Use:
Drive less by combining errands
Drive at slower speeds
Postpone using gasoline-powered lawn equipment
Keep your engines properly tuned
Keep tires properly inflated
Refuel after 6 p.m.
Don’t top off your gasoline tank
Reduce Energy Consumption:
Turn off lights
Turn thermostats up 2-4 degrees
Keep blinds drawn to block out sun
Find Alternate Methods of Transportation:
Walk or bike (before noon and after 6:00 p.m.)
Use public transportation
Carpool
Van pool
Don’t Burn Anything
You can reduce your exposure to pollution by:
planning strenuous activity when pollution levels are forecast to be lower
reducing the amount of time spent at vigorous activity
choosing a less strenuous activity (e.g., going for a walk instead of a jog)