Air Quality Action Days
What are Air Quality Action Days?
There is good ozone and there's bad ozone. Ozone located miles above the ground in the ozone layer protects Earth from harsh ultraviolet rays. Ozone, when at ground level, is the prime contributor of smog. Smog poses a variety of health concerns including asthma and cancer. Days when air quality is poor are Air Quality Action Days. On these days in particular it is extremely important to take steps to decrease our contribution to ground-level ozone by:
- Carpool, vanpool, use transit, walk, or bike to work
- Don't refuel, or refuel after dark
- Avoid excessive engine idling
- Keep your car well-tuned
- Conserve energy and recycle
- Spend time indoors
- Postpone mowing your lawn
- Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid when grilling
- Don't use oil-based paints
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How Can I Become an Air Quality Action Day Participant?
"Air Quality Action Days" is the title for a workplace-based public outreach program, sponsored by Clean Air Partners, aimed at changing individual behavior to reduce ozone production. The Clean Air Partners Partnership is composed of more than 250 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
As a participant, you will be notified by 4 p.m. the day before a Code Red Day, an unhealthful air day, so that you may make an announcement to your employees to encourage them to use an alternative form of transportation the following day, including using buses on Code Red Days. The notification will be by either e-mail or fax.
Employers are asked to inform employees and customers about individual actions they should take to reduce the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrous oxide (NOx), especially during the hottest parts of the day. Clean Air Partners members are also encouraged to consider modifying their company operations (such as painting, mowing, etc.) when Air Quality Action Days are in effect.
Some participants fly Air Quality Action Day flags at their places of business.
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What is Alexandria's Commitment to Clean Air?
The City of Alexandria has begun an Air Quality Action Days program to further demonstrate its commitment to clean air. The City is taking many actions to educate the public and City employees about the harmful effects of ground-level ozone. These actions include this section of the Local Motion Web site, an informational display at City Hall and partnerships with Alexandria businesses.
Contact
For more information on the Air Quality Action Days program, call (800) 745-7433 or visit the Clean Air Partners.
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