IDEM forecasts unhealthy levels of ozone in county
Comet staff report

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) forecasts that the level of ozone in the air for Carroll County may be unhealthy for sensitive groups today, Aug. 29.

The forecasted ozone values are expected to exceed healthy levels. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and anyone with cardiac (heart) or pulmonary (lung) problems, should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors. Until the forecast expires, schedule exercise, cookouts and other outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening.

According to IDEM, actions to reduce ozone can shorten the current forecasted Air Quality Action Day and help prevent them in the future. To reduce activities that contribute to ozone follow these tips:

•Wait until after 7 p.m. to fill up gas tanks or mow the lawn;

•When driving, avoid using the drive-through, combine errands into one trip and turn off your engine when idling for more than 10 seconds;

•Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation;

•Set your air conditioning to 75 degrees for maximum energy savings while staying cool;

•Do not burn yard waste and debris;

•Use water-based paints and solvents; and,

•Be careful not to spill gasoline when refueling vehicles and lawn equipment.

Ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. While necessary in the upper atmosphere to protect human health, ground-level ozone is an irritant to the respiratory system and can cause coughing and difficult breathing. Prolonged exposure may increase the chance of these symptoms.

Stagnant weather conditions reduce the natural cycling process of the atmosphere and have led to elevated levels of ozone.

Visit IDEM's Web site at http://www.smogwatch.IN.gov for hourly updates on ozone, region specific forecasts and to sign up to receive SmogWatch emails. Call (800) 631-2871 to find out current air quality levels.