GreenWorks - Ideas for a Cleaner Environment

The summer smog season "officially" began May 1st. With the warm weather approaching, the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES) urges New Hampshire residents to be aware of the increased risk of ground-level ozone pollution (smog), and take health precautions when ozone levels are high. During the summer, New Hampshire typically has 10 or more days of unhealthy air due to ozone. Sources of pollutants that cause ground level ozone include cars, trucks, buses, industrial facilities, and power plants.

Ozone can limit the ability to take a deep breath and can cause coughing, throat irritation, and breathing discomfort. Ozone can also lower resistance to respiratory disease, damage lung tissue, and aggravate chronic lung disease. Children and those with pre-existing lung problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, are most sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Even healthy adults involved in moderate or strenuous outdoor activities can experience the unhealthy effects of ozone.

During ozone season from May through September, DES provides daily information on expected ozone air quality levels throughout New Hampshire. When ozone is forecast to reach unhealthy levels anywhere in the state, an Air Quality Action Day is declared for that area. DES and the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) notify the public of the Air Quality Action Day so that appropriate actions can be taken. People are encouraged to take precautionary measures to protect their health, such as limiting outdoor strenuous activity, especially in the afternoon when ozone pollution levels tend to be the highest.

In addition, people can help reduce ozone-smog pollution by taking the following actions:

• Conserve energy at home, at work - everywhere.
• Choose a cleaner commute: walk, carpool or use public transportation ("Ride Free -Breathe Free" on Air Quality Action Days).
• Reduce idling of cars and trucks, especially diesel vehicles.
• Combine errands and reduce trips.

Information on daily expected air quality levels in New Hampshire is provided on the air quality information line at 1-800-935-SMOG and on the DES website at www.des.state.nh.us (and soon at air4nh.gov). To sign up for Air Quality Action Day email or fax notification, call DES at (603) 271-1370 or 800-498-6868. For information on the health effects of air pollution, call DHHS at 1-800-852-3345, ext. 4664 or the American Lung Association at 1-800-83-LUNGS. Additional information is available at EPA's website at www.epa.gov/airnow. Call your local public transit provider for more information on the "Ride Free - Breathe Free" program, which provides free rides on Air Quality Action Days.