MVRPC extends Air Quality Alert for parts of the region as smoke from Canadian wildfires return

DAYTON — The Air Quality Alert issued for parts of the Miami Valley has been extended.

>>ODH urges precaution of possible health effects of poor air quality from wildfire smoke

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) has issued an Air Quality Alert in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties until Thursday as smoke from the Canadian wildfires has returned, according to an MVRPC spokesperson.

The National Weather Service has also issued an Air Quality Alert for those counties as well as for Butler, Union (IN), Warren, and Wayne (IN) counties.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is 162 for Thursday.

Any reading of 150 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Until these wildfires are under control, the region should anticipate random days of high PM2.5 levels, MVRPC said.

>>ORIGINAL STORY: Canadian wildfire smoke grips the Miami Valley

To reduce air pollution on Air Quality Alert days, MVPRC offers these tips:

• 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.

To get Air Quality updates, visit this website.

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