Vol. 18, No. 38	Aug. 5, 1999

Find out about 'ozone days'

The Department of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is cooperating with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) by notifying the campus of "Ozone Action Days," when ozone levels are forecast to be high and the public is asked to help reduce ground-level ozone.

When a high ozone forecast is received, it will be posted on the OHS web site at <www.udel. edu/OHS> as a scrolling message.

More information is available by clicking the ozone icon on the upper left corner of the page or by visiting the DVRPC web site at <http:// www.libertynet.org/~dvrpc>.

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles, paints, solvents, fuel and other sources "bake" in hot, sunny weather.

To reduce ground-level ozone, DVRPC asks everyone to:

• limit driving by carpooling, walking or bike riding for short trips;

• avoid driving in peak traffic periods;

• postpone refueling until evening;

• keep vehicles well maintained;

• * avoid using gas-powered mowers;

• avoid barbecuing;

• delay spraying pesticides; and

• delay using oil-based paints.

When ozone levels exceed federal guidelines, persons with respiratory ailments can experience health problems, such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, nausea and respiratory discomfort.