Air Action Days

LRAPA's voluntary summertime "Air Action Day" program is a call-for-action for citizens to help minimize ozone or smog formation (link to glance.pdf) in the Eugene/Springfield metropolitan area. On very hot summer days, pollution from cars, other gas-powered engines and smog-producing chemicals in paints and aerosol sprays can create unhealthy levels of smog. Also known as ground-level ozone, smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs and contributes to breathing problems, reduced lung function and asthma. Smog is especially harmful (link to ozone/health.pdf) to young children, older people and individuals with chronic lung problems.

During the summer when LRAPA forecasts high ozone levels, the agency asks the community to take action to prevent smog build-up by providing individuals with specific actions they can take to help keep the air clean and community in compliance with federal air quality health standards.

In Lane County, weather conditions are ripe for smog levels to rise to unhealthy levels for sensitive populations when temperatures are forecasted to be in the high nineties with mild northerly winds. Residents are encouraged to help out however possible. And, while transportation is the single largest human-contributor of smog, there are a number of things individuals can do to help keep smog levels to a minimum.

LRAPA's "Air Action Day" advisories are publicized before noon on the day prior to the day forecasted to have high ozone levels. This gives citizens time to arrange changes to daily schedules to help keep levels to a minimum. Local television newscasts and radio stations announce the advisories throughout the day to inform the public of the forecasted levels.

Employers are asked to help out by giving employees work options where possible. Leaving the car home is the single, easiest and most effective way of curbing smog formation. Allowing employees to work at home, take a vacation day, flex work hours, have a few extra minutes for taking the bus, or any other option that helps out, is encouraged.

• Drive less - consolidate errands into one trip
• Ride your bike, walk or take the bus
• Don't top off your gas tank - those spills and excess fumes wreak havoc on our air
• Turn off your engine if you're stuck in road construction or waiting for a train
• Avoid drive-up windows - at the minimum turn off your engine while waiting in line
• Keep your vehicle tuned up, and oil and filters changed regularly
• Use an electric or push mower instead of gas - at least put off mowing with the gas mower during hot weather
• Use a gas barbecue or charcoal-starter chimney to fire up the coals
• Avoid gas lawn equipment - gas-powered leaf blowers, electric clippers, etc.
• Swim - instead of boat