DAYTON — An Air Quality Alert is in effect for some in the Miami Valley Saturday as high temperatures and clear skies are expected.
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The alert has been issued for all areas of Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties.
The Air Quality Alert was issued by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVPRC) in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency.
The Air Quality Index forecasted for Saturday is 103. Any reading of 101 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” according to an MVPRC spokesperson.
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.
MVPRC says it is okay to be active outside but recommends taking more breaks and doing less strenuous work.
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People are asked to do the following to reduce air pollution:
- Avoid driving if possible. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. Carpool or take transit 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 the use of 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! Try using non-motorized or battery-powered equipment 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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