Release: Knozone Action Day Called for Thursday, June 29 Due to Levels of Particle Pollution 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'

People in Central Indiana with asthma, COPD, and many other diagnoses should avoid time spent outdoors Thursday, June 29 due to wildfire smoke in the region

 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability is issuing a Knozone Action Day for Thursday, June 29 as winds continue to carry smoke south from wildfires in Canada. 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 twelfth Knozone Action Days declared so far in 2023.

Sensitive groups should remain indoors tomorrow and refrain from activities that degrade indoor air quality, including burning candles and vacuuming. Cloth face masks or traditional surgical masks do not provide adequate protection from smoke. The EPA recommends "particulate respirators" that have been tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It will have the words "NIOSH" and either "N95" or "P100" printed on it.

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

  • Sign up for air quality alerts at smogwatch.in.gov or by utilizing the EPA's AirNow website or mobile app

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

  • Use active forms of transportation like walking or biking

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

  • Consider working from home if able

  • Wait to refuel and mow until the air is cool -- either early morning or later in the evening if necessary

  • Avoid vehicle idling, including drive-thrus or pick up lanes

  • 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

  • Share the message -- notify neighbors and loved ones of Knozone Action Days

  • There are many more tips on how to decrease your individual carbon footprint at knozone.com/take-action

  • Sign up for air quality alerts at smogwatch.in.gov

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