Ozone Action Day Declared: Tuesday, August 9, 2005

Temperatures are rising and the air is becoming stagnant. A lack of any significant breeze will result in ozone formation in the “unhealthy for sensitive populations” range for Tuesday, August 9th, in the Northeast Ohio area.

Wait to Refuel Until After 7:00 P.M. -- It Really Does Help!

Ozone forms in the heat of the day, using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted during morning rush hour. The VOCs interact with oxides of nitrogen (NOx), emitted by industry, diesel trucks, and construction equipment. Together, in hot sunshine, VOCs and NOx make ozone.

So if you can avoid putting any VOCs from gasoline into the air in the morning, by waiting to refuel until night, it really does make a difference! So does ridesharing during your morning commute - it cuts the traffic (and all those emissions) in half!

Forward this message to a friend today. Thanks from your Ozone Action Day Program in Northeast Ohio!

Why Should You Care?

Northeast Ohio has not attained the clean air standards set by the the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Achieving clean air will improve everyone's health, improve quality of life, and prevent Northeast Ohio from losing federal highway funds. More information can be found here.

What Can You Do?

Businesses, individuals, and local governments are urged to take voluntary actions to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, which contribute to excessive ground-level ozone creation on these days. In hot weather, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions react with each other in the presence of the sunlight to form ground-level ozone. By taking the following actions, people and businesses can help to reduce ozone pollution and its health impacts.

• Decrease Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) Trips. Walk rather than drive to local stores. Bicycle to further destinations. Take a bus, carpool, or vanpool to work and recreational activities. Reducing vehicles and congestion will minimize the contribution of the automobile to the ozone problem.


• Combine Trips. Combining errands into a single trip (trip chaining) will reduce the number of miles you travel in your car, and also reduce air pollution.


• Take the Bus / Ride the Train. This summer’s focus is to encourage people to take alternate transportation as a means to reduce automobile emissions. Taking the bus or riding the train will also save you GAS money.


• Don't Refuel Vehicles or Equipment. If you absolutely have to, do it after 7:00 P.M., avoid spilling or dripping gasoline, and don't top off the tank. Always make sure that gas caps are tightly sealed.
• Avoid Lawn Care Activities Involving Gasoline-Powered Equipment. Lawn equipment engines are generally inefficient and can be a considerable source of pollution.


• Limit Solvent Use. This includes charcoal lighter fluid, dry cleaning fluids, and oil based paints. Generally speaking, if a match would ignite it, a liquid will contribute to ozone formation as it evaporates.


• Reduce Power Demand. The demand for electricity is generally at a peak on Ozone Action Days. Cutting back on air conditioning, turning fans and lights off when not home or in the room, and minimizing trips to the refrigerator will decrease demand on and emissions from electric power generation plants.