SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, announced that Wednesday, July 8 is an Ozone Action day in Southeast Michigan.
According to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) meteorologists, the stagnant air mass remains. Higher humidity and light winds will keep the stagnant air here in Southeast Michigan, making conditions right for formation of ozone/smog pollution. The long-range forecast keeps the region in the same hot, humid air mass until the end of this week. Expect more Ozone Action days during this time.
It is always important that we all do what we can to voluntarily lower pollutant emissions on Ozone Action days when high levels of ozone are expected. Breathing high concentrations of ozone can cause a variety of health problems, particularly for the elderly, children, and people with asthma or other lung diseases.
Here are some simple things that Southeast Michigan residents can do to help keep the air clean on Ozone Action days:
· Drive less, bike, walk, or telecommute. You’ll reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as save money. Use SEMCOG’s ParkFinder® tool to find a park/trail for walking and biking fun.
· Delay mowing your lawn until evening or the next day. Exhaust from your lawn mower and other gas-powered lawn and garden equipment help form ozone.
· Avoid refueling your vehicle during daylight hours. Fumes released at the gas pump contribute to ozone formation.
· Delay or combine errands. This will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
· Reduce electricity use. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher and turn off lights, computers, and other electrical devices when not in use.
Many of the ozone actions listed above are good ideas to practice every day of the week. Click here for other routine actions that can also help reduce pollution and save money by reducing fuel consumption.
Ozone Action days are announced in area media and other outlets, including electronic freeway message signs. Additional information on Ozone Action days is available on SEMCOG’s website.
Residents wishing to be added to SEMCOG’s Ozone Action e-mail notification list should send an e-mail to [email protected]; put “notification” in the subject line and include name, phone number, and e-mail in the body of the e-mail.
Those interested can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. In addition to our traditional e-mail notifications, we will use these pages to keep Southeast Michigan residents up-to-speed on a variety of topics related to air quality.
Air quality is one of the important measures identified in SEMCOG plans and programs for creating desirable communities and a positive regional image for Southeast Michigan. This is the 27th year of the voluntary program that helps keep Southeast Michigan’s air clean. In 2019, there were five Ozone Action days.
This is the seventh Ozone Action day of 2020.
