Ozone Action Days

CONTACT: Bill Davis
NOACA
(216) 241 2414, Ext. 251
bdavis@mpo.noaca.org

Ground level ozone is of special concern to those with respiratory conditions, children, the elderly, and anyone doing a lot of outdoor exercise. As a lung irritant, ozone can worsen pre-existing conditions or cause shortness of breath during outdoor activities. These groups have a tool to use in managing their exposure to this pollutant. During the day tomorrow, interested members of the public, can check out current ozone levels at the Northeast Ohio Air Quality Online Website. The site displays information in both map and tabular form.

Businesses, individuals and local governments are urged to take voluntary actions to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, which contribute to excessive ground-level ozone creation on these days. In hot weather, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions react with each other in the presence of the sunlight to form ground-level ozone. During the summer the following steps can help reduce individual and corporate contributions to ground level ozone.

• Don’t refuel vehicles or equipment. If you absolutely have to, do it after 7:00 P.M., avoid spilling or dripping gasoline, and don’t top off the tank. Always make sure that gas caps are tightly sealed.
• Avoid lawn care activities involving gasoline-powered equipment. Lawn equipment engines are generally inefficient and can be a considerable source of pollution.
• Decrease Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) trips. Walk rather than drive to local stores. Bicycle to further destinations. Take a bus, carpool, or vanpool to work and recreational activities. Reducing vehicles and congestion will minimize the contribution of the automobile to the ozone problem.
• Limit solvent usage. This includes charcoal lighter fluid, dry cleaning fluids, and oil based paints. Generally speaking, if a match would ignite it, a liquid will contribute to ozone formation as it evaporates.
• Reduce power demand. The demand for electricity is generally at a peak on Ozone Action Days. Cutting back on air conditioning, turning fans and lights off when not home or in the room, and minimizing trips to the refrigerator will decrease demand on and emissions from electric power generation plants.

By taking these actions people can help to reduce ozone pollution and its health impacts.