An Air Pollution Advisory is in effect today for Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Warren counties for smog.
With temperatures expected in the upper 80s with abundant sunshine and light southerly winds, conditions will be conducive for the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, and may lead to elevated air pollution levels, according to the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency.
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Children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. Residents should contact their health care provider if any of these symptoms occur. The general public is not likely to be affected, according to the agency.
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To reduce smog, particularly on Air Pollution Advisory days:
- AVOID DRIVING IF POSSIBLE. Carpool or take the bus, or for short trips, walk or ride a bike.
- REFUEL YOUR VEHICLE AFTER 8 P.M., or if possible, don't refuel at all when Air Pollution Advisory notices have been issued. Also, make sure your gas cap fits tightly.
- IF YOU MUST DRIVE, combine errands or delay them until the Air Pollution Advisory is lifted.
- DRIVE A CAR THAT IS WELL-TUNED. Avoid "jackrabbit" acceleration and excessive idling, especially at drive-through windows.
- AROUND THE HOME, limit use of small gasoline-powered equipment such as lawn mowers and trimmers.
- MOW YOUR LAWN AFTER 6 P.M. when the sunlight is not as strong and smog is less likely to form.
For more information about air pollution, visit www.miamivalleyair.org for details and to register to receive "Air Pollution Advisories" via email.
In Butler and Warren counties, the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency monitors and reports air quality data as a public service.