The air in Missouri's Fifth District isn't always healthy. During warmer months, a pollutant called ground-level ozone can reach concentrations that are unhealthy for everyone, but especially people with respiratory illnesses.
Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from motor vehicles, lawn mowers, power plants and industry react with heat and sunlight. Over half of all ozone pollution is formed as a result of everyday people doing everyday things.
This means that you have the power to clear the air! In fact, thousands of Fifth District residents are doing just that. By taking a few simple steps, they are reducing pollution, saving money and saving time. And, most importantly, they’re protecting their health.
In the Kansas City metro area, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) works with federal officials at the Evironmental Protection Agency to monitor air quality and educate the public. Special thanks to the Mid-America Regional Council for providing the following helpful information:
How Can I help Clean the Air?
Knowing what you do that contributes to ground-level ozone and adjusting your daily routine takes us all a giant step closer to cleaner air.
At Home
* Mow in the evening. Lawn mowers are major pollutant producers and mowing in the heat of the day just adds more.
* Drive less. Multiple trips multiply emissions. Carpooling, mass transit, biking and combining errands make for cleaner air. Driving less not only helps save the air, it also saves you money!
* Don't idle your car. Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution. Studies have linked various types of vehicle emissions to asthma symptoms, cardiopulmonary disease, lung cancer and other causes of death.
* Fuel in the evening. Filling your gas tank during the day adds to the buildup of pollutants. If you fuel after work — or better yet — in the evening, the fumes are dissipated much faster. Don’t gas up at all on Ozone Alert! Days.
* Stop topping off your fuel tank. If you "stop at the click" you eliminate the possibility of spills and reduce the ozone- creating fumes that escape into the air at the same time. When you top off, you’re canceling the effect of the anti-pollution devices installed on gas pumps.
* Keep vehicles, lawn mowers, ATVs, outboard motors and jet-skis running efficiently. Regular maintenance and oil changes can reduce emissions by 50 percent.
Educating
* Spread the word. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors about air quality. If everyone takes small steps and changes just a few habits, Kansas City can be on its way to cleaner air.
