MIAMI VALLEY — Conditions may be improving but an Air Quality Alert remains in effect for parts of the region today, according to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC).
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MVRPC in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) extended its Air Quality Alert for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties, according to an MVRPC spokesperson.
The National Weather Service has also issued an Air Quality Alert for the entire region today. This also includes Butler, Warren, Clinton, Randolph (IN), and Wayne (IN) counties.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended a statewide Air Quality Advisory Thursday morning as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves through the U.S.
The advisory was issued Wednesday, June 7. It was the first alert of its kind ever issued by the Ohio EPA, the spokesperson confirmed to News Center 7.
MVPRC says conditions have been improving but the smoke from the Canadian wildfires is still producing levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the region.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is 103 for today, MVPRC said.
Any reading of 101 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” This includes older adults, children, and anyone with respiratory or cardiac diseases. They are encouraged to reduce prolonged time outside.
MVPRC says it’s okay to be active outside, but people are encouraged to take more breaks and do less strenuous activities.
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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.