Air quality drops: Action Day declared in city

July 24 has been declared an Action Day, meaning that “groups that are sensitive to the pollutant should reduce exposure by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. For ozone this includes: children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with lung disease, such as asthma.”

The increased ozone is affecting much of the Midwest, including parts of Wisconsin, Chicago and all of Indiana.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards recommends the following for Action Days:

* Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
* Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
* Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
* Combine errands and reduce trips.
* Limit engine idling.
* Use household, workshop,and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency gets its data from the Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information, go to the following sites:

http://www.airnow.gov/
http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/