Ozone Action Day - July 15, 2019
SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, announces that Monday, July 15 is an Ozone Action day in Southeast Michigan. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy meteorologists predict hot, muggy, sunny conditions with southwest winds, all of which contribute to ozone formation. There is also potential for poor air quality the rest of the week as this hot, muggy weather continues.
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 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. Learn more about Southeast Michigan Commuter Connect.
• Avoid refueling your vehicle during daylight hours. Fumes released at the gas pump contribute to ozone formation.
• Delay or combine errands. This will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
• 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. Click here for other routine actions that can also help reduce pollution and save money by reducing fuel consumption.
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.