Code Orange - Ten Simple Steps to Improve Air Quality
June 6th, 2008 by Biz2Biz
Everyone in the valley is aware of the heat wave that our area is experiencing. I just received an email from Jeremy Holmes, Program Director, Ride Solutions. He stated that this weekend there is a code orange issued for ozone pollution by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The current Air Quality Index can be found at www.ridesolutions.org/airquality/aqi.shtml.
Elevated ground level ozone is unhealthy for sensitive groups, so please take care to avoid prolonged periods outdoors. Please honor your commitments to the Regional Ozone Early Action Plan and implement clean air strategies.
Who is sensitive to ozone?
Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung problems, such as asthma, are sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Even healthy adults involved in moderate or strenuous outdoor activities can experience the unhealthy effects of ozone.
How does ozone affect human health?
Ozone is a major element of urban smog. Ozone can limit the ability to take a deep breath, and it can cause coughing, throat irritation, and breathing discomfort. There is also evidence that ozone can lower resistance to respiratory disease, such as pneumonia; damage lung tissue, and aggravate chronic lung disease, such as asthma or bronchitis.
What can I do?
Spread the word! Encourage friends, family and neighbors to sign up at www.ridesolutions.org/airquality to receive these Air Quality Action Day Alerts, and forward this email to others whose health may be susceptible to high ozone levels. Improve air quality and reduce traffic by registering with www.ridesolutions.org and sign up for our free carpool matching service, and encourage neighbors and coworkers to do the same. Implement the following ten air quality strategies:
Ten Simple Steps to Improving Air Quality
1. Take mass transit, share a ride, or car pool. Visit www.ridesolutions.org for our free carpool matching service.
2. Combine trips.
3. Ride your bike.
4. Walk wherever you can.
5. Care for your car and don’t idle.
6. Get fuel when it's cool.
7. Don't top off the tank.
8. Telecommute.
9. Research routes and traffic before you go.
10. Spread the word! Forward this email, post it to a message board or your blog. Let others know what they can do.
Stay cool and drink plenty of water!