The sun and heat cooks up the pollution in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says an "Ozone Action Day" has been declared in four Michigan cities today:
- Benton Harbor
- Kalamazoo
- Grand Rapids
- Ludington
And tomorrow, six cities will be have Ozone Action Days, as the heat is expected to stay with us.
- Ann Arbor
- Benton Harbor
- Detroit
- Kalamazoo
- Grand Rapids
- Ludington
Ground-level ozone pollution is formed on hot, sunny days when emissions from cars and trucks, industrial smokestacks, and vapors from gas and other chemicals are cooked into "bad" ozone.
The EPA says the pollution can have serious health and environmental impacts:
Breathing ozone, a primary component of smog, can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue. Ground-level ozone also damages vegetation and ecosystems. In the United States alone, ozone is responsible for an estimated $500 million in reduced crop production each year.
We're supposed to take action on an Ozone Action Day. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments offers these tips on what to do when an Action Day is declared in your area:
- Avoid refueling your vehicle. If you must refuel, fill up as late in the day as possible, preferably in the evening when the weather is cooler. Fumes released at the gas pump contribute to ozone formation.
- Delay mowing your lawn. Emissions from your lawn mower help form ozone.
- If you plan to barbeque, avoid using lighter fluid. Emissions from the fluid contribute to ozone formation.
- Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk. You'll reduce traffic congestion and air pollution as well as save money.
