Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has declared an Air Quality Action Day for Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in multiple regions across the state.
According to IDEM, elevated ozone levels are expected in Central/East Central, Southeast, and Southwest Indiana. Air quality is forecasted to reach levels considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” which include children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
An Air Quality Action Day means conditions are right for ground-level ozone to rise to levels that may pose health risks. IDEM officials recommend reducing outdoor activity, especially during the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels peak. Sensitive groups are urged to stay indoors when possible.
Residents can also help lower ozone levels by limiting driving, avoiding idling vehicles, postponing lawn mowing with gas-powered equipment, and conserving energy.
The alert is not statewide but covers heavily populated areas including Indianapolis, Bloomington, Evansville, and surrounding counties in the affected regions. IDEM continues to monitor conditions and provides updates on its SmogWatch website at SmogWatch.IN.gov.
Air Quality Action Days are issued when pollution levels are forecasted to exceed federal health standards. Wednesday’s alert is the latest in a series of warnings issued during late summer, when hot, sunny weather can intensify ozone formation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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