Ozone Alert For Tuesday

EVANSVILLE - An Ozone Alert has been issued by the Vanderburgh County Environmental Protection Agency and the Vanderburgh County Health Department.  The alert will be in effect for Vanderburgh County on Tuesday, August 7th.

According to the EPA, high ozone levels can, within a few hours or days, lead to lung and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and an increase in frequency of asthma attacks. It can also have an effect on those with emphysema and bronchitis.

Those with respiratory diseases should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially between the hours of 12:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. on days when an ozone alert is in issued.

Below are some tips on protecting not only yourself, but the air quality during an ozone alert.

• Use public transit
• Conserve energy of all kinds - turn off lights, reduce air conditioner use, etc.
• Limit your driving. Avoid unnecessary vehicle idling.
• Park and go inside instead of using drive-through windows, especially if there are long lines.
• Postpone fueling your vehicle until after 6:00 p.m. Don't 'top-off' your tank when filling up.
• Consider using electric or manually operated lawn equipment. If you use gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, stop working at 10:00 a.m. and / or postpone work until after 6:00 p.m.
• Limit the use of solvents, parts cleaning fluids, paint thinners and chemicals. Replace lids when finished.
• Postpone painting or use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints.

Another thing to keep in mind on ozone alert days is that no open burning is allowed. The use of gas and charcoal grills is permitted, but the EPA recommends holding off on grilling until the air quality improves.