Air Quality Alert Continues Soaring Temps Boost Ozone, Pollution

By MARK WILSON, Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or wilsonm@courierpress.com

The Evansville area is under an air quality alert for both ozone and fine particle pollution today as temperatures continue to soar and the air overhead remains stagnant.

It is the third straight day that the Evansville Environmental Protection Agency and the Vanderburgh County Health Department have extended the alert for ozone and second day for fine particle pollution, both of which can have an adverse effect on health.

Joanne Alexandrovich, ozone officer for the Vanderburgh County Health Department, said it is possible the alerts may extend through the weekend, depending on weather conditions.

Vanderburgh, Warrick and Posey counties are among the 345 counties nationwide that do not meet a stricter new standard for ozone pollution unveiled in March, according to the EPA. However, both EPA and local officials believe that will improve as the effects of new pollution controls at power plants and industries come into play.

Also, the EPA is considering placing Vanderburgh, Dubois and Tippecanoe counties in nonattainment of a 24-hour, health-based standard for fine particle pollution.

Levels of ozone may reach what the EPA considers unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, active adults and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma. People considered most sensitive to particulate matter include children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung disease.

Ozone can cause lung and throat irritation, shortness of breath, increase the frequency of asthma attacks and aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Children, active adults and people with respiratory diseases should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially between noon and 6 p.m., when ozone levels are highest.

Particle pollution can be high any time of day. Exposure over several hours or days can aggravate lung disease, causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and also may increase susceptibility to respiratory infection. Healthy children and adults may experience temporary minor irritation when particle levels are elevated.

To minimize these health impacts, it is recommended that residents:

n Postpone physically strenuous activities until air quality improves.

n Avoid prolonged exertion and take rest breaks.

n Use an indoor air filter if you have one because particle pollution may be higher inside buildings.

n Contact your health provider if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or difficulty breathing.

No open burning is allowed during alerts and officials are asking that grilling be postponed until air quality improves.

Here are some tips to help protect

air quality and reduce pollution levels:

n Conserve energy by turning off lights, reducing air conditioner use, etc.

n Limit driving and unnecessary vehicle idling.

n Park and go inside instead of using drive-through windows, especially if there are long lines.

n Wait until after 6 p.m. to refuel vehicles.

n Consider using electric or manually operated lawn equipment or postpone using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until after 6 p.m.

n Limit the use of solvents, parts cleaning fluids, paint thinners and chemicals and replace lids when finished.

n Postpone painting or use water-based paints instead of oil- based paints.

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