|
Aug. 16, 2002--The Delaware Valley Ozone Action Partnership has alerted the University of Delaware that Friday, Aug. 16, is an ozone action day as ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to exceed the federal health-based air quality standard.
According to partnership meteorologists, Tuesday's weather patterns are ideal for the formation of unhealthy levels of ozone in the lower atmosphere. To help keep the region's air healthy, residents, government and businesses are asked to voluntarily limit or postpone certain ozone-producing activities. For example:
Limit daytime driving and combine errands.
When you must drive, try to avoid congested periods.
Ride public transportation or carpool to work.
Maintain your vehicle's emission control equipment.
Walk or ride a bicycle for short, easy trips.
Postpone the use of gasoline-powered mowers until evening.
Refuel your car in the evening and don't top off your tank.
Avoid lighting your barbeque with starter fluid.
Avoid prolonged idling and jackrabbit starts.
Use latex rather than oil-based paints.
Ozone is an odorless, colorless gas produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds combine under hot, sunny, stagnant weather conditions. When high in the atmosphere, ozone helps filter harmful ultra-violet rays. However, ozone can be harmful in the lower atmosphere when it is inhaled in the air we breathe. Research shows that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ground-level ozone can cause lung damage in humans.
|
