INDIANAPOLIS — Knozone Action Days, declared by the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, and Air Quality Action Days, declared by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, are called when conditions are right for increased ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
On Knozone or Air Quality Action Days, experts recommend:
• Walk, bike, or work from home when possible
• Combine errands into one trip
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
• Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
• Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.
To learn more about ozone or sign up for air quality forecasts, visit www.SmogWatch.IN.gov.