Smog Season Is Here
Finally, it’s starting to warm up in Greater Cincinnati! Warmer temperatures equal more time outside, but it also means the Air Quality Alert Season has already started.
Higher levels of ozone pollution that come with sun and high temperatures are especially troublesome for those with sensitive breathing issues or respiratory disease during the warmer months of the year. For this reason, air quality season lasts from March through October.
Every year, OKI partners with other agencies to notify the public when pollution levels have become unhealthy for sensitive groups including children and older adults.
“Poor air quality is an environmental concern that affects everyone . It harms our health, our environment, and can even have a significant effect on our economy. That is why it is important everybody recognizes the need to reduce air pollution and improve the region’s air quality. Becoming a clean air advocate is an easy and effective way to have a positive impact on the environment and can be as simple as planning your trips ahead of time, carpooling, or walking and biking.”
– Summer Jones, OKI Clean Air Program Coordinator
Some of these voluntary actions to do your share are:
- Taking the bus (call METROat 513-621-4455 or TANK at 859-331-8265)
- Carpooling or vanpooling (call RideShare at 241-RIDE) or sign up at com
- Riding a bike or rollerblading instead of driving
- Avoid the use of gasoline powered lawn equipment on smog alert days.
- Keeping your vehicle maintained
- Combining trips or eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips
- Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m. and don’t top off
- Avoid using oil-based paints and stains
- Save electricity
- Spread the word
Look for more information during Air Quality Awareness Week April 29 – May 3. For more information, visit doyourshare.org.
Smog is a problem in the Greater Cincinnati area that causes negative health and economic impacts. It affects everyone; however, children, elderly and people with asthma or other respiratory problems are especially at risk. Smog makes it difficult for our lungs to absorb oxygen, limiting our ability to breathe. It causes flu-like symptoms such as irritation of the throat and lungs, which causes coughing and sometimes choking.
We hope that every resident in the seven county area will make some small change in his or her daily habits on Smog Alert days to reduce smog formation. YOUR ACTIONS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE AIR QUALITY OF OUR REGION!
