The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments announced that Saturday, June 11 is the first Ozone Action day of the year.
A combination of factors like sunshine, warm temperatures and increased humidity, will combine to impact the air quality on Saturday, creating high levels of ozone.
It is more important than ever that local governments, businesses and the general public do anything they can to lower pollutant emissions on Ozone Actions days. 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.
SEMCOG Executive Director, Kathleen Lomank, says it's important people do all they can to keep the air clean.
"And now, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the verge of imposing a stricter standard in 2017, we urge all Southeast Michigan residents to be aware and take Ozone Action. This summer's data will be especially important and could very well be the difference between being in attainment of the new standard or being designated as nonattainment," Lomako said.
If you are wondering how you can take part in keeping the air clean, SEMCOG gives a few suggestions:
- Delay mowing your lawn until the next day. Exhaust from your lawn mower and other gas-powered lawn and garden equipment helps form ozone.
- Leave your car at home. Instead, take the bus, carpool, bike or walk. You'll not only reduce traffic and air pollution, you'll save money!
- Avoid refueling your vehicle during daylight hours. Fumes released at the gas pump contribute to ozone formation.
- Reduce electricity use. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn off your lights, computers and other electrical devices when not in use.
SEMCOG encourages you to practice these actions not just on Saturday, but every day of the year.
Additional information of Ozone Action day can be found here.
