SEMCOG, the Southesast Michigan Council of Governments, announces that Monday, June 12th is an Ozone Action day.
According to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) meteorologists, Monday will be the hottest and sunniest day of this hot-weather episode. A strong and persistent southwest wind pattern has already resulted in several of the state’s air-quality monitors exceeding the 70 parts-per-billion (ppb) standard.
It is always important that local governments, businesses, and the general public do what they can do to voluntarily lower pollutant emissions on Ozone Action days when high levels of ozone are expected. 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.
Here are some simple things that Southeast Michigan residents can do to help keep the air clean today and Monday:
- 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.
- Reduce electricity use. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn off lights, computers, and other electrical devices when not in use.
Many of the ozone actions listed above are good ideas to practice every day of the week.
Ozone Action days are announced in area media and other outlets. Additional information on Ozone Action days is available on SEMCOG’s website.
Residents wishing to be added to SEMCOG’s Ozone Action e-mail notification list should send an e-mail to ozoneaction@semcog.org; put “notification” in the subject line and include name, phone number, and e-mail in the body of the e-mail.