State Issues Air Quality Alert

Ozone is an air pollutant that’s created when sunlight reacts with compounds from automobile, truck and power plant emissions. When ozone is breathed in, it can irritate or damage the lining of the lung. Brian Toal, an epidemiologist from the state Department of Public Health says on these very hot and humid days, when ozone levels are high, people should avoid strenuous outdoor activities

 

"If you’re exercising and breathing at a heavy rate you can experience congestion, tightness, tight breathing and especially for asthmatics, it can trigger an asthma attack.”

 

The Department of Environmental Protection is asking homeowners to conserve electricity and set thermostats on air conditioners at 78 degrees to reduce power plant emissions. The agency is also asking people to avoid idling their vehicles, cutting grass with gas-powered mowers and buying gasoline during the day. The idea is to reduce the amount of compounds from gasoline that are released into the hot air. That could create more ozone.

 

For WNPR, I’m Nancy Cohen.