Bridgefield Neighborhood

Knozone Information

Clean air is in. Help improve air quality in Indianapolis!

The heat of summer is soon upon us and so is the occasional Knozone Action Day, called when ground-level ozone readings are expected to reach levels that are considered harmful to breathe.

Ground-level ozone (smog) is formed when the sun’s ultraviolet radiation combines with emissions from automobiles, small engines and industrial sources. Because it is a man-made pollutant, every person can make a visible difference in our air quality by making small changes in behavior.

For the past 10 years, Knozone has worked to educate area residents about ground-level ozone pollution and to encourage voluntary actions to fight its formation at home, at work and at play. With the support and participation of central Indiana residents and businesses, we’ve seen improvements in central Indiana’s air quality.

However, central Indiana as a whole, like many major metropolitan areas across the country, now is in violation of federal air quality standards. This is not because our air quality is worsening; rather federal ground-level ozone standards have become stricter in recent years.

Smog and fine particles of dirt and soot in the air not only are harmful to the environment, but also are health hazards to humans. In high enough concentration, they can affect the throat, respiratory tract and lungs. Young children, the elderly and anyone with a respiratory disease such as asthma or emphysema are more susceptible to the effects of these pollutants.

Please be in the “kno” this summer, and make small behavior changes that will help improve air quality and our quality of life in central Indiana.

· When painting, avoid using oil- or solvent-based paints, degreasers or lighter fluids. Opt for water-based cleaning and painting products whenever possible. Apply paint with rollers and brushes instead of sprays; it cuts down on fumes.

· Enjoy summer barbecues, but avoid using charcoal lighter fluid. Consider natural gas, propane or electric grills as alternatives when it’s time to replace your backyard barbecue.

· Mow your lawn and fill your gas tank after 6 p.m. to cut down on the formation of smog.

· Be careful not to spill fuel when filling gas tanks for your car or lawn equipment.

· Bag your yard debris instead of burning it.

· Consider manual or electric-powered lawn and garden maintenance equipment when replacing your gasoline-powered motors.

· Conserve energy; turn off lights, computers and stereos when you’re not using them. Power plants will emit less pollution if there is less demand.

· Plan activities for early morning or evening when smog/ground-level ozone levels are lower.

Following these simple practices can make a big difference in our air quality. Share these tips with friends and family to help keep central Indiana air safe for you, your family and your neighbors. For more information about Knozone and the current air quality index, visit the Knozone Web site at www.knozone.com or call 317.327.4AIR.

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