Ozone air pollution advisory issued

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC), in conjunction with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA), is issuing an Air Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone for Monday, August 2, 2010, for Clark, Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties. The forecast anticipates plenty of sunshine, high temperatures and light winds. These components could possibly lead to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone being formed.

Ground-level ozone (smog) is an irritant to the respiratory system formed when bright sunlight mixes with emissions from vehicles and small gasoline-powered engines. These emissions collect in a stagnant air mass and form smog. It’s important that everyone takes action to reduce ground-level ozone especially on days when these notices are issued. Residents are encouraged to follow these actions:

• AVOID DRIVING IF POSSIBLE. Carpool/vanpool or take the bus. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. For short trips, walk or ride a bike.
• REFUEL YOUR VEHICLE ONLY AFTER 6:00 P.M., OR IF POSSIBLE, DON’T REFUEL AT ALL WHEN AIR POLLUTION ADVISORY NOTICES HAVE BEEN ISSUED. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem. By refueling after 6:00 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.
• IF YOU MUST DRIVE, try to combine running errands or delay them until the Air Pollution Advisory notice is lifted.
• DRIVE A CAR THAT IS WELL-TUNED. Avoid “jackrabbit” acceleration and excessive idling, especially at drive-thru windows. If you have to wait for 2 minutes or more, it’s better to turn off the engine and go inside.
• AROUND THE HOME, limit your use of small gasoline-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, power trimmers and shredders. Operating a gasoline-powered lawn mower for one (1) hour produces the same amount of pollution as driving a car for eleven (11) hours! Try a “push” or battery-powered lawn mower instead.
• MOW YOUR LAWN AFTER 6:00 P.M. when the sunlight is not as strong and smog is less likely to form.

For more information about air pollution, contact the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission at (937) 223-6323 or the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency at (937) 225-4435. Log on to www.miamivalleyair.org for details and to register to receive “Air Pollution Advisories” via e-mail when they are issued.