Friday, July 18, 2008 9:37 AM
Juliet Norris
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| Air Quality Alert Was Extended through Saturday |
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is extending its Air Quality Alert through Saturday.
Commission spokeswoman Ashley Lester says Central Ohio is likely to experience ground-level ozone pollution levels that are unhealthy for some people...
“Anyone with lung or heart disease, maybe someone with asthma, young children, active and older adults are all at risk. So it’s advised by the EPA to limit your exposure outside, particularly during midday when it’s the hottest outside. Try to do your outdoor activities in the morning or evening, when those pollution levels are generally lower.”
Lester says more than half of Central Ohio’s air pollution is contributed by vehicles...
“Ground-level ozone pollution is forming because of the emissions from our cars, trucks and lawn equipment and the industry we have here. It’s reacting together in the presence of the sunlight...So these hot, very sunny days are contributing to create air pollution levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups of people.”
There are some things people can do to help the situation...
“We can always reduce our driving, consider using the bus, car-pooling, biking or walking as much as possible. Some other tips: don’t idle your car, and if you’re going to re-fuel your vehicle, try doing it after 6 p.m. when those pollution levels are a little bit lower.”
The Air Quality Alert has been in for much of this week in Central Ohio. Alerts are issued when air pollution levels reach 101 or higher. The index level forecast for Friday and Saturday is 127.
