DAYTON — An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for parts of the region today.
>>Air Quality Alert for parts of region today; Cooler temperatures return
The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) extended it for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties, according to an MVRPC spokesperson.
It also includes Butler and Warren Counties.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to persist in the Miami Valley Region resulting in high PM 2.5 levels, MVRPC said.
The Air Quality Index is forecasted to be 105 today.
Any reading above 101 or high is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” MVRPC said.
>>RELATED: Air Quality Alert extended for parts of the region due to Canadian wildfire smoke
MVRPC says people can reduce air pollution on Air Quality Alert days by doing the following:
· 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 you lawn in the evening when the sunlight is not as strong, and smog is less likely to form.
You can check the current AQI by clicking this website.