For the second time in under a month, local officials are urging citizens to respond to an Ozone Air Quality Alert issued today.
The Kansas Department of Transportation will use digital message boards through the weekend to notify the public of tips of how to reduce vehicle emissions.
Residents and employers are asked to use the following tips:
-Drive as little as possible. Car pool, use public transit or telecommute.
-Reduce idling; avoid congested traffic areas if possible.
-Refuel your vehicle in the evenings and do not top off the tank.
-Avoid using using gasoline powered trimmers and leaf blowers.
Actions by local residents can help minimize the extent of ozone violations which could be a factor in EPA's consideration of local air quality regulations, said Kay Johnson, City of Wichita Environmental Initiatives Manager. She added that the local ozone readings are also influenced by windblown pollutants transported from other geographical areas.
"Although we can't control the ozone that is transported to us from other areas, residents can make a difference by maintaining acceptable ozone levels," Johnson said.
Unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, and chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity.
Children, elderly, and people who have underlying lung diseases such as asthma are at particular risk of suffering from these effects. As ozone levels increase, the number of people affected and the severity of the health effects also increase.
To avoid experiencing these effects, vulnerable residents should limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activity and stay in an air-conditioned environment during the afternoon and early evening hours when ozone levels are highest.
Outdoor exercise and activities should be scheduled in the morning hours. Individuals who experience respiratory symptoms should consult their doctors.
Citizens can use www.wichita.gov/airquality to review available air quality information when making choices about weekend activities.
