The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day notice for today, forecasting high ozone levels in central Indiana, including Bartholomew County.
IDEM is urging residents today to walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation and to avoid using drive-thru stops where engines will idle. IDEM also advises to avoid refueling your vehicle or using gas-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m. today.
Anyone sensitive to air quality changes, children, the elderly and anyone with a heart or lung condition should reduce or avoid exertion or heavy work outdoors.
Ground level ozone forms when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, factor emissions and gasoline vapors. Ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
