Officials have declared Tuesday an Air Quality Action Day. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is predicting high levels of ground-level ozone in six regions, including southwest Indiana.
Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions are advised to reduce or avoid exertion outdoors.
IDEM encourages everyone to drive less, carpool, use public transportation, or work from home if possible
You’re also urged to reduce idling, avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until evening, and conserve energy in your home and workplace.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight, light wind, and high temperatures 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 for sensitive people.