The city of Wichita has issued its first ozone alert of the year. The precautions and warnings are for Tuesday, April 11.
Current atmospheric conditions indicate high ozone levels.
Ozone is a harmful air pollutant. Heat and sunlight “bake” the emissions from vehicles, mowers, energy production and industries forming ozone.
High ozone levels are potentially unhealthy for youth, seniors, people with respiratory disease like asthma or emphysema, adults who spend prolonged time outdoors and others identified as members of sensitive groups.
The city is asking citizens to take steps to reduce the emissions that create ozone. The more actions taken, the more likely the community will keep ozone levels below the standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The following are recommended actions that people can take:
- Refuel when it’s cool (after 6 p.m. or after dark);
- Walk or ride your bike to work;
- Delay mowing;
- Stop fueling at the sound of the click;
- Take your lunch to work to avoid driving during the hottest part of the day;
- Turn off your car or don’t idle more than 30 seconds;
- Postpone errands; and
- Delay painting projects.
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Aileen LeBlanc is news director at KMUW. Follow her on Twitter @Aileen_LeBlanc.
To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
