Smog Watch in effect through Sunday

 

Aug. 10, 2004 –The first Smog Watch of the season for the Puget Sound region is in effect now through Sunday, July 25. That means we all need to take steps to help minimize the build up of pollution in the air we breathe.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Reduce driving by combining trips, carpooling, using public transportation and deferring errands.
• Avoid using gasoline-powered yard equipment.
  Refuel your automobile in the cooler, evening hours.
• A large dome of high pressure coupled with hot temperatures is creating the weather conditions that degrade air quality. These conditions are expected to dominate the Puget Sound Basin from Thursday into Sunday. During this stagnant period, pollution levels are expected to rise dramatically.

Ozone levels may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level on EPA’s Air Quality Index (external link), especially in the southern and southeastern parts of the basin. Fine particulate levels will rise into the Moderate level and will also affect visual air quality significantly.

Conditions are expected to slowly abate late Sunday and return to normal Good levels by Monday afternoon.

The highest concentrations of ground-level ozone (smog) (external link) happen when sunlight "cooks" emissions from motor vehicles, paints, solvents and gasoline vapors. You can check current air quality conditions and forecasts at our Web site, www.pscleanair.org.
You can also monitor ozone concentrations at nine sites by checking our Ozone Right Now Web page between May and September at www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqiozone.aspx.

For further information, contact Alice Collingwood.