IEPA Calls Air-Quality Alert for Friday

As a result of current conditions, the Illinois EPA and Partners for Clean Air have issued an Air Pollution Action Day for Friday, Aug. 3, and have forecast the air quality for the Chicago Metropolitan Area for Friday to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

This means that our air quality will be unhealthy for many people, including active adults; people with heart disease; people with lung disease (including asthma) and other respiratory diseases; older adults and children.  Exposure to high levels of air pollution can aggravate these conditions.

People in these groups are urged to cut back or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. This will be the ninth Action Day issued for 2012.

By being aware of the air quality levels, you can take precautions to protect your family. The Air Quality Forecast for your area may be viewed at http://www.cleantheair.org/.

Take action now and start making a difference. The following is a list of some actions we can take at home to improve air quality locally:

• Take public transportation, carpool, walk or bike; drive fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles.
• When driving, try to plan trips in the evening, consolidate destinations and avoid idling.
• Turn off and unplug electronics when they are not in use.
• Adjust thermostats 2 degrees warmer in the summer and 2 degrees cooler in the winter
• Purchase ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and electronics.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Use environmentally friendly household products such as natural cleaners.

SOURCE: http://kanehealth.com/air.htm