Code Orange Declared For Monday On Fine Particles, Ozone

Sunday, May 27, 2007

An air pollution Code Orange Health Watch has been declared for fine particles and ozone on Monday, Memorial Day.

It will be the fourth recent day for a Code Orange declared by the local Air Pollution Control Bureau.

Air quality is predicted to be 139, 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. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion today."

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

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

Thank you for helping us to improve air quality in Hamilton County.

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)

Over half of the population is at risk. Please limit prolonged outdoor exertion.


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