Lake County, IN – An Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Ozone has been declared for Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Northwest Indiana. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as ozone levels are forecasted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), ground-level ozone can cause lung irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties. The AQAD alert indicates that the air quality index (AQI) is expected to exceed 100, a threshold where sensitive groups may experience health effects.
To mitigate the impact, IDEM recommends that residents reduce outdoor exertion and limit activities that contribute to ozone formation. This includes avoiding the use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment and minimizing vehicle use. Carpooling, public transportation, and other alternatives are suggested to reduce emissions.
IDEM meteorologists monitor air pollutants and collaborate with local weather agencies to issue these advisories. The public can stay updated on air quality forecasts by visiting SmogWatch.IN.gov, where current conditions and health advisories are regularly posted.
Residents are encouraged to take these warnings seriously and follow recommended actions to protect their health. For more detailed information on the recommended actions and further guidelines, visit the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s website.
Stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for yourself and vulnerable members of the community.
