5/30/2007
Media Contact:
Steve Hardiman,
317-327-2053 |
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Thursday, May 31, 2007 has been forecasted as a Knozone Air Quality Action Day
Fine particle levels may affect sensitive groups
INDIANAPOLIS – The city of Indianapolis has forecasted Thursday, May 31, 2007 as a Knozone Air Quality Action Day for fine particles. The region’s air quality may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, or the color “orange” on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Tomorrow’s AQI forecast indicates that fine particle levels will be elevated. Fine particles (soot) are released into the air when fuels like coal, natural gas, gasoline and diesel motor vehicle fuels, oil and wood are burned. These tiny pieces of matter are invisible to the eye, about 30 times smaller than the diameter of one human hair. Fine particles are usually found in smoke or haze.
Many scientific studies have associated fine particle pollution with serious health problems, such as aggravated heart and lung disease, decreased lung function, and increased risk of heart attack and strokes caused by blood clots. Children, the elderly and people already suffering from heart or lung disease are especially vulnerable to its effects.
Residents and businesses are asked to make small changes in their behavior to prevent the formation of fine particle pollution. These steps include:
- Don’t idle your car unnecessarily. Turn off the engine whenever possible.
- Don’t burn yard debris.
- Avoid using wood-stoves or wood-burning fireplaces.
- Carpool or ride the bus.
- Combine errands into one-trip.
- Conserve electricity. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
Always speak to a physician about any air pollution-related health concerns. Individuals – especially active children, the elderly and anyone suffering from lung disease – should also monitor their health on Knozone Air Quality Action Days.
Knozone is a year-round voluntary air pollution reduction program for Indianapolis-Marion County. The program educates the public about the effects ground-level ozone (smog) and fine particles (soot) on public health and the environment and promotes clean air strategies that help clean the air. For more information, please visit www.knozone.com or call (317) 327-4AIR for current air quality information.
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