MIAMI VALLEY — An Air Quality Alert continues for the Miami Valley as smoke from the Canadian wildfire continues to linger.
>>Air Quality Alert remains for parts of region today due to Canadian wildfire smoke
The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) issued the Air Quality Alert for Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties for today, according to an MVRPC spokesperson.
It says smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to persist in the area resulting in high fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels.
In addition, the National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for the entire Miami Valley, including Butler, Warren, Clinton, Randolph (IN), and Wayne (IN) Counties through midnight.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is projected to be 108 for today, MVPRC says.
Any reading above 101 or higher is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
>>First-ever statewide Air Quality Advisory issued as Canadian wildfire smoke lingers
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires prompted the Ohio Environment Protection Agency to issue a statewide Air Quality Advisory on Wednesday.
This was the first alert of its kind ever issued by the EPA, a spokesperson confirmed to News Center 7.
The Air Quality Advisory issued by the Ohio EPA is separate from the Air Quality Alert commonly issued by the National Weather Service.
>> Canadian wildfires delay flights, trigger smoke alerts across eastern US
MVRPC says people can reduce air pollution by doing the following:
- Avoid driving if possible. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. Carpool or take transit or for short trips, walk or ride a bike.
- Refuel your vehicle after 8:00 P.M. or, if possible, wait until after the Air Quality Alert expires. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem. By refueling after 8:00 p.m. when it’s cooler, smog doesn’t form as easily. Make sure your gas cap fits tightly so gas fumes don’t escape and contribute to the smog problem.
- Limit the use of gasoline-powered equipment, such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, power trimmers, and shredders. Operating a gasoline-powered lawnmower for one hour produces the same amount of pollution as driving a car! Try using non-motorized or battery-powered equipment instead.
- Mow your lawn in the evening when the sunlight is not as strong, and smog is less likely to form
Particulate levels are expected to remain elevated through Thursday, June 8, Ohio EPA says.
You can check the current AQI by clicking this website.
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