DAYTON, Ohio — The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby counties on Thursday.
The National Weather Service expects highs to reach the mid-80s with abundant sunshine, which the MVRPC noted can promote ground-level ozone formation.
Thursday’s Air Quality Index stands at 101 — any reading at that level or above is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” a category that includes older adults, children, and individuals with respiratory or cardiac disease.
People in those groups should avoid prolonged exertion, particularly outdoors.
To help cut air pollution, the MVRPC offered the following tips:
- Avoid driving, as car emissions account for nearly 50% of ground-level ozone. Choose carpooling or public transit instead
- Refill gas tanks in the evening or wait until after the alert expires, since gasoline vapors can contribute to smog
- Limit use of gasoline-powered equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, and similar tools
- Mow lawns in the evening when sunlight is less intense
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