Poor air quality can increase health risks, even for the healthiest individuals and also impact our
environment. Although air quality may be unhealthy year-round, it is typically more of a concern throughout the warmer summer months when ground-level ozone and particle pollution are
more prevalent. Many of the same polluting activities that cause poor air quality also contribute
to greenhouse gasses that can impact climate change. During a Code Orange or above day,
sensitive groups including children, older adults and individuals with heart and/or respiratory
disease, should limit their outdoor activity level.
There are several easy steps you can take during the summer months and all year-long to
protect your health, protect the environment and help reduce the number of Code Orange and
above days in the metropolitan Washington-Baltimore region.
1. Check the air quality forecast for your area before planning daily activities. Don’t leave
home without it! Before you head out for the day, be sure to check your regional daily air
quality forecast so you know what measures to take to protect your health, especially if the
air is unhealthy. Sign up to receive daily AirAlerts and real time health notifications at
www.cleanairpartners.net. AirAlerts use EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which rates air
quality by color codes and levels of air pollution. The codes range from green (good) to
purple (very unhealthy).
2. Grab a copy of Clean Air Partners’ Air Quality Action Guide. The Air Quality Action
Guide developed by Clean Air Partners goes hand-in-hand with daily AirAlerts and provides
simple action steps individuals can take to improve air quality, protect their health, and
combat climate change. The steps are important for sensitive groups during Code Orange
and above days. For the full guide, visit
www.cleanairpartners.net.
3. Make your commute a clean commute. Buddy up with a co-worker, ride your bike or take
the bus or train to work instead of joining the millions of single-occupant vehicles commuting
each day. By doing this just once a week, you’ll reduce traffic congestion, pollution and save
money. This is a win-win, especially with gas prices at an all time high. You can also
encourage your employer to offer commuter benefits, such as tele-working and public
transportation supplements, to minimize the environmental impacts associated with driving.
4. Refuel your vehicle after dusk. Fill up your gas tank in the evening rather than the
morning. Emissions from morning gasoline fillups contribute to air pollution, particularly
during the summertime. Also, be sure to check your gas cap. Leaky gas caps contribute to
air pollution and waste fuel due to evaporation. Leaking gas caps equal approximately 200
pounds of evaporative emissions each year. (Source: US Car Care Council)
5. Plan your route. Combine your errands into one trip. It’s better for time management and
reduces air pollution. Starting a car after it has been sitting for an hour causes it to pollute up
to five times more than when the engine is warm.
6. Get a tune-up. Keep your car tuned up and the tires properly inflated to ensure the best
possible gas mileage and extend your vehicle’s operating life.
7. Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. Mowing for one hour with a gaspowered lawnmower causes as much pollution as driving round-trip from Washington, D.C.
to New York City. Postpone cutting the grass on poor air quality days or use an electric lawn
mower instead. You’ll save on gas and help your family and neighbors breathe easier.
8. Conserve at Home. Choose ENERGY STAR® qualified products such as appliances,
lighting and heating/cooling equipment. These energy-efficient products not only save you
money and help you conserve energy at home, but they help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
9. Encourage your employer to become a member of Clean Air Partners and offer
commuter benefits. Today more than 1200 employers, individuals and businesses are
registered as Clean Air Partners participants and members and have committed to take
voluntary actions on poor air quality days. Find out how your employer can help make a
difference on a larger scale by becoming a member at
www.cleanairpartners.net.
10. Educate your kids, your family and your friends. Talk to your kids’ schools to request
Clean Air Partners’ air quality curriculum. This air quality curriculum will teach your child
about the effects air quality has on the planet as well as their health through teaching tools,
hands-on activities and coloring books. Tell your family and friends how they can help by
getting clean air information by visiting
www.cleanairpartners.net.
