The Statehouse File: High temperatures require multiple Knozone Action Days

Read the full story by Zachary Roberts here.

The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability declared its seventh “Knozone Action Day” of the summer on June 30.

Knozone Action Days are meant to protect residents and visitors when ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have risen above their acceptable thresholds. According to the American Public Health Association, high ozone and particulate matter levels can cause increased hospitalizations, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and premature death. Indianapolis has higher rates of people living with asthma (10.9%) and COPD (8.6%) than the national average.

Tim Maloney, the senior policy director for the Hoosier Environmental Council said, “The action days certainly serve as a valuable public health reminder for those who are most affected by high levels of ozone or particulate matter."

“They’re a very valuable public service but it’s also an indicator that there is still a lot of work to do in improving air quality.”