Friday, June 29 is an Ozone Action day in Southeast Michigan.
According to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) meteorologists, plenty of sunshine and southwest winds will settle in and pump in hot, humid, hazy air into Southeast Michigan for a few days. There is potential for additional Ozone Action days moving into the weekend.
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 on Friday:
- Relax and delay mowing the 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. Learn more about Commuter Connect (formerly RideShare).
- 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. View other routine actions that can also help reduce pollution and save money by reducing fuel consumption.