Action Day for Utah 02/19/08

http://airnow.gov/

Action Day Tips
Days when ozone is expected to be high:
-Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
-Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
-Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
-Combine errands and reduce trips.
-Limit engine idling.
-Use household, workshop,and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

Days when particle pollution is expected to be high:
-Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
-Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
-Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
(Source)

"Action days are usually called when the AQI gets into the unhealthy ranges. Different air pollution control agencies call them at different levels. In some places, action days are called when the AQI is forecast to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, or Code Orange. In this case, the groups that are sensitive to the pollutant should reduce exposure by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. For ozone this includes: children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with lung disease, such as asthma. For particle pollution this includes: people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. Occasionally, an action day is declared when the AQI is Moderate, or Code Yellow, if the levels are expected to approach Code Orange levels." (source)

Image by tephdra

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