Air Quality Alert in effect for some parts of the region Monday, Tuesday

MIAMI VALLEY — An Air Quality Alert is in effect for some of the Miami Valley Monday and Tuesday as high temperatures and clear skies are expected.

The alert is issued for all areas of Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble counties.

According to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Committee, in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency, the Air Quality Index forecast for Monday is 101 and for Tuesday 105.

Any reading at 101 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Older adults, children, and anyone with respiratory or cardiac diseases should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy.

MVRPC said it is alright for most people to be active outside but suggests taking more breaks and doing less strenuous activities.

People are asked to to the following to reduce air pollution:

• Avoid driving if possible. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. Carpool or take transit, if possible or for short trips walk or ride a bike.
• Refuel your vehicle after 8:00 p.m. or, if possible, wait until after the Air Quality Alert expires. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem. By refueling after 8:00 p.m. when it’s cooler, smog doesn’t form as easily. Make sure your gas cap fits tightly so gas fumes don’t escape and contribute to the smog problem.
• Limit use of small gasoline-powered equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, power trimmers, and shredders. Operating a gasoline-powered lawnmower for one hour produces the same amount of pollution as driving a car for eleven hours! Try a non-motorized or battery-powered lawnmower instead.
• Mow your lawn in the evening when the sunlight is not as strong and smog is less likely to form.

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