Here we go. The first air quality alert of the year... not a first we were looking forward to. We are in the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality category. Sensitive groups include young children, the elderly, anyone who suffers from asthma, anyone with heart or lung disease.
Unfortunately, pollution settles down in the Ohio Valley when we get a stretch of nice, calm weather. Without a storm system or front to push the pollution out of the valley and circulate the air, the air quality continues to deteriorate with each calm weather day. Not only that, but the intensity of the sun and warmer weather augment the effect of pollutants in the air.
Ways you can help:
- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
- In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.
- When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
- Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces production emissions.)
- Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter.
- Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F.
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