INDIANAPOLIS -- As ground-level ozone levels trend upward, Tuesday has been designated as a "Knozone Action Day" in Indianapolis.
This means the air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive people, like active children, elderly and anybody with lung disease. Those affected should avoid spending a lot of time outside.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. That's why the problems are more prevalent during the warmer months of the year.
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“Along with the sunshine of the warmer months comes smog and air quality concerns,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “On Knozone Action Days, I urge those most vulnerable in our community to take steps to protect their health. But Knozone Action Days should also serve as a reminder that we can work to improve our air quality every day – that small changes can have a lasting impact on making Indianapolis a more breathable city for all.”
Statewide, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued a warning for central and southern Indiana Tuesday about the air quality.
You can reduce your contributions to ground-level ozone by doing the following:
- Reduce vehicle idling, including in drive-thru lanes
- Use active forms of transportation (walking, biking or public transportation)
- Fill gas tanks and mow after 7 p.m.
