Release: Knozone Action Day Called for Friday, June 30 Due to Ground-Level Ozone - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

People in Central Indiana with asthma, COPD, and many other diagnoses should avoid time spent outdoors

 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability is issuing a Knozone Action Day for tomorrow, Friday, June 30 due to forecasted ground-level ozone that is unhealthy for sensitive groups as hot southerly air moves in today and tomorrow. Poor air quality impacts public health, and sensitive groups throughout Central Indiana should avoid time spent outdoors as much as possible, especially active children, the elderly, anyone pregnant, and those with asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart disease, or COVID. This will be the thirteenth Knozone Action Day declared in 2023.

To protect residents and local air quality, the Office of Sustainability issues Knozone Action Days when levels of certain pollutants rise above acceptable thresholds. During Knozone Action Days, the air quality may become unhealthy for sensitive individuals or the general population due to increased ground-level ozone and/or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) -- two of the most common pollutants in the United States.

Today, Thursday, June 29, is also a Knozone Action Day for sensitive groups due to unhealthy ground-level ozone and PM2.5 levels as high particulates remain in the air from wildlife smoke. Ground-level ozone is formed with sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors.

Air pollutants like ozone and fine particulate matter pose a public health and environmental justice issue as they can cause increased hospitalizations, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and premature death, according to the American Public Health Association. 9.8% of Indianapolis MSA adults live with asthma, and 6.4% of Indianapolis MSA residents live with COPD; meaning over 15% of the local population is at greater risk for severe symptoms due to poor air quality.

Every day, and especially on Knozone Action Days, residents are encouraged to reduce their contribution to ground-level ozone through these simple actions:

  • Avoid vehicle idling, including when in drive-thru lanes or picking up carry-out

  • Drive less: use active forms of transportation like walking or biking

  • Utilize public transportation or carpool with services such as IndyGo or Commuter Connect

  • Wait to refuel and use gas-powered lawn equipment until temperatures are cooler

  • Combine errands to reduce number of trips

  • Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above

  • Delay use of garden, household, and workshop chemicals until air has returned to healthy levels

Residents can follow @SustainIndy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for reminders about Knozone Action Days and tips on how to increase positive and decrease negative individual impact on our environment.   

For more information on how to help improve Central Indiana’s air quality, visit https://knozone.com/actionday. To learn even more about ozone or to sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov or AirNow.gov.

Lindsay Trameri