(WXYZ) — Because of the warm, muggy and stagnant weather conditions, July 3 has been declared the first Ozone Action day of the season.
According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, it's important for the general public to do what they can to voluntarily lower pollutant emissions on Ozone Action days when high levels of ozone are expected. SEMCOG says breathing high concentrations of ozone can cause a variety of health problems, particularly for the elderly, children and people with asthma or other lung diseases.
"We need to do all we can to keep the air clean," said SEMCOG Executive Director Kathleen Lomako in a release.. "Since the mid-1990s, air quality in Southeast Michigan has improved. That is due, in part, to the actions that residents take on Ozone Action days, giving credence to one of SEMCOG's key messages -- that individual actions taken by many can make a difference. We look for that support again this summer."
These are the things southeast Michigan residents can do to help keep the air clean:
- Delay mowing your lawn until evening or the next day. Exhaust from your lawn mower and other gas-powered lawn and garden equipment help form ozone.
- Leave your car at home. Instead, take the bus, carpool, bike, walk, or telecommute. You'll reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as save money.
- Avoid refueling your vehicle during daylight hours. Fumes released at the gas pump contribute to ozone formation.
- Delay or combine errands. This will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
- Reduce electricity use. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn off lights, computers, and other electrical devices when not in use.
