Drivers in most southern Indiana counties are urged to avoid drive-thru lanes while air quality in the area remains unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued a slew of air quality alerts that will remain active through Wednesday for many southern Indiana counties. Similar alerts have been issued in California and Texas after high heat contributed to worsened ozone conditions. In Indiana, environmental officials suggested that residents take recommended actions, such as avoiding drive-thru lanes at restaurants, until ozone levels return to normal.
“Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range,” the alert said. “Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.”
Newsweek reached out to IDEM by email for comment.
Air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups when the Air Quality Index (AQI) measures between 101 and 150. The air quality is considered moderate when the index measures between 51 to 100. Anything below 50 is considered good quality. Unhealthy levels are reached when the index is 150 to 200, very unhealthy is when levels are 201 to 300, and hazardous levels occur when the index is 301 or higher.
According to AirNow, a coalition between the U.S. government and tribal agencies that monitors air quality, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects when the AQI is between 101 and 150.
Air quality changes depending on the time of day and weather conditions, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. However, there are factors that contribute to unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution, including “increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather.”
There are certain actions people can take to reduce emissions that worsen ozone, according to the IDEM alert.
“Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip,” the alert said.
Other recommended actions include walking, biking, carpooling or using public transportation; refrain from refueling a vehicle or using gas-powered equipment until after 7 p.m.; turning off the engine when idling; and conserving energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to a higher temperature.
“An Ozone Alert is issued when a combination of high temperatures, light winds and other factors are expected to produce conditions where high levels of ozone emissions may exceed federally mandated standards,” the alert said. “Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.”
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