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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has forecast high ozone levels for Allen and Huntington counties on Wednesday.
Anyone sensitive to poor air quality might be affected when ozone levels are high, it said. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors tomorrow.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
IDEM makes daily air quality forecasts. To learn more about ozone or sign up for air quality forecasts, visit www.SmogWatch.IN.gov.
Because IDEM has declared Wednesday an Air Quality Action Day, Citilink in Fort Wayne will offer free fares that day.
It has received a grant for free fares on declared action days.
Citilink said the goal is to improve air quality by reducing the number of cars on the road. It said you can also extend your trip by bringing your bike on the bus; all fixed route buses are equipped with bike racks.
Those who are unfamiliar with Citilink may call 432-4546 for help planning your trip. You may also check out the Citilink Web site, www.fwcitilink.com, for instructions on how to take the bus and current schedules.
The department encourages the public to help reduce ozone by making simple changes to their daily habits:
- Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation.
- Avoid using the drive-through.
- Combine errands into one trip.
- Avoid refilling your vehicle or using gas-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
- Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds.
- Conserve energy by turning off lights.
- Turn down the air conditioner.
To read the statement, verbatim, check out The Scoop.
