Release: Knozone Action Day Called for Friday, June 9 due to Unhealthy Levels of Particle Pollution

People in Central Indiana with asthma, COPD, and many other diagnoses should avoid time spent outdoors due to wildfire smoke in the region

 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability is issuing a Knozone Action Day for tomorrow, Friday, June 9 as hazy and smoky conditions continue from wildfires in Canada and northern Michigan. Poor air quality impacts public health, and community members throughout Central Indiana should avoid time spent outdoors as much as possible, especially active children, the elderly, anyone pregnant, and those with asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart disease, or COVID. This will be the seventh Knozone Action Day declared in 2023.

"The unhealthy air quality we have witnessed in our region thus far this season is a stark reminder of how connected we are to the natural disasters, extreme weather events, and decisions happening across the world," said Morgan Mickelson, director of the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. "The hazards of pollution and climate change do not stop at borders."

Though levels were not forecasted to be unhealthy earlier this week, Monday, June 5, Tuesday, June 6, and Wednesday, June 7 saw unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Central Indiana. Tuesday, June 6 also saw unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone in Central Indiana. Air quality may continue to be affected beyond Friday; the Office will call additional Action Days as needed.

To protect residents and local air quality, the Office of Sustainability issues Knozone Action Days when levels of certain pollutants rise above acceptable thresholds. During Knozone Action Days, the air quality may become unhealthy for sensitive individuals due to increased ground-level ozone and/or fine particles -- two of the most common pollutants in the United States.

Air pollutants like ozone and fine particulate matter pose a public health and environmental justice issue as they can cause increased hospitalizations, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and premature death, according to the American Public Health Association. 9.8% of Indianapolis MSA adults live with asthma, and 6.4% of Indianapolis MSA residents live with COPD; meaning over 15% of the local population is at greater risk for severe symptoms due to poor air quality.

Every day, and especially on Knozone Action Days, residents are encouraged to reduce their contribution to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) through these simple actions:

  • Never burn trash, furniture, leaves, or grass clippings. Burning these items is always illegal in Marion County and punishable by fines up to $2,500. If you encounter illegal open burning, utilize the RequestIndy mobile app or website or call the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622. If it's an emergency, call 911.

  • Avoid campfires, bonfires, and barbecues until the air quality returns to healthy levels. The rules and regulations for open burning are available on the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services' website: indy.gov/BNS

Every day, and especially on Knozone Action Days, residents are encouraged to reduce their contribution to ground-level ozone through these simple actions:

  • Avoid vehicle idling, including when in drive-thru lanes or picking up carry-out

  • Use active forms of transportation like walking or biking

  • Utilize public transportation or carpool with services such as IndyGo or Commuter Connect

  • Wait to refuel and mow until after 7 p.m.

  • Combine errands to reduce number of trips

  • Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above

  • Delay use of garden, household, and workshop chemicals until air has returned to healthy levels

Residents can follow @SustainIndy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for reminders about Knozone Action Days and tips on how to increase positive and decrease negative individual impact on our environment.   

For more information on how to help improve Central Indiana’s air quality, visit https://knozone.com/actionday.

Lindsay Trameri