When temps are extreme, be alert for Air Quality Alerts
When weather conditions in the Tri-State are hot and muggy, it’s likely the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency will issue an Air Quality Alert for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.
An Air Quality Alert is in effect all day on June 15, 2022.
Alerts occur when ozone levels reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
On Air Quality Alert days, you can help reduce ozone formation by taking these actions:
- When possible, take the bus, carpool, bike, or walk instead of driving.
- Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m., do not top off when refueling, and tighten the gas cap.
- Do not idle your vehicle; exhaust contributes considerably to ozone formation.
- Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips.
- Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes.
- Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days.
- Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days.
- Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings.
- Suspend use of fire pits, campfires, and charcoal grills on Air Quality Alert days.
- Conserve electricity by turning out lights and unplugging unused appliances and electronics.
Background:
Air Quality Alerts are issued as a partnership between the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services and OKI Regional Council of Governments.
The Air Quality Index is updated twice each day on Monday through Friday.
The Air Quality Agency (which employs CState Environmental Engineering Technology interns and graduates) uses seven ozone monitors– located throughout Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties– to collect air quality data 24 hours a day.
To learn more about local air quality and how the Air Quality Agency does its work, visit: