Air Pollution Advisory Days
On very hot summer days, pollution from cars,
other gas-powered engines, and smog-producing chemicals in paints
and aerosol sprays can create unhealthy levels of smog. Also known
as ground-level ozone, smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs,
and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and
asthma. Gas-powered engines are the top source of smog.
SWCAA advises smog-sensitive people including
the elderly, small children and people suffering from asthma or
lung disease to limit outdoor activities if pollution levels reach
“unhealthy for sensitive groups” during the hot weather, especially
in the late afternoon and early evening when smog concentrations
tend to be highest. Smog is especially harmful to children, people
with asthma and other lung problems, and older adults. Follow your
health care provider’s advice or asthma action plan if you have
asthma or other breathing problems.
Here are some actions that prevent smog:
- Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked or waiting in line. (Ten seconds of idling uses more
fuel than restarting your engine.)
- Refuel your vehicle during cooler evening hours.
- Wait until the heat wave breaks to use
gas-powered lawn mowers and yard equipment.
- Avoid painting and using aerosol sprays until it cools off.
- To the extent possible limit driving or use public transportation.
Be ready to do something on an Air Pollution
Advisory Day to prevent unhealthy air pollution, particularly when
very hot weather lasts for several days in a row.
- Know which Tri-Met MAX ,bus or C-Tran
bus can get you to work or another destination. Call Tri-Met
at 503-238-RIDE(7433) or C-Tran
at 360-695-0123 for route and schedule information
- Plan to carpool with a co-worker or neighbor on an Air Pollution Advisory day.
If you make a plan now, when you hear an Air Pollution Advisory, youll know what to do. And the air
will be cleaner for all of us!
Ten Ways to Prevent Smog:
- Drive less. (Cars are the number 1 source of air pollution.)
- Take Tri-Met or C-Tran to work or school.
- Carpool, walk, or bike.
- Put off errands that require driving or combine errands to make fewer trips.
- Dont drive at lunchtime. Eat in.
- Dont mow your lawn with a gas-powered lawn mower. (A lawn mower can pollute as much or more than a car.)
- Telecommute (work at home) if thats an option for you.
- Use alternatives to aerosol sprays.
- Avoid using house paint or use low solvent paint.
- If you are going to grill, cook on a gas barbecue and avoid using lighter fluid.