Today, much of Indiana is facing an Air Quality Alert due to high ozone levels that could be harmful, especially for sensitive groups.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued a warning about potentially “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” air quality, which could affect people in areas like Indianapolis, Seymour, Richmond, Corydon, and Jeffersonville until midnight Wednesday.
Areas Affected by the Air Quality Alert
The alert covers more than two dozen counties across Indiana, including Marion, Hamilton, Bartholomew, Floyd, and Ripley. Major cities like Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Muncie, as well as the suburbs of Louisville in southern Indiana, are included in the warning.
The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District has also issued a Code Orange alert for the region, meaning air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Health Impact of Ozone
Ozone, a key component of smog, can trigger breathing problems, especially for vulnerable groups. These include children, the elderly, and people with existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Experts are advising these groups to limit outdoor activities, especially those that involve physical exertion, to avoid breathing difficulties.
Precautionary Measures to Protect Health
To reduce ozone levels and protect their health, residents are encouraged to take several actions. Some voluntary precautions include:
- Carpooling or using public transportation to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Delaying the refueling of vehicles until after 7 p.m.
- Avoiding drive-thru services, which contribute to increased air pollution.
- Reducing the use of gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers during the day.
Additionally, IDEM recommends energy-saving measures for indoor spaces, such as raising thermostats and turning off lights when they’re not needed. Outdoor tasks, such as mowing or refueling, should be postponed until later in the evening to avoid contributing to smog.
Ongoing Alerts
A separate air quality alert has been issued for parts of eastern Indiana, including Richmond and Brookville, which will remain in effect until Thursday night.
As ozone levels remain high in these areas, it’s crucial for residents, especially those in sensitive groups, to take extra care to limit their exposure and stay safe.
