The
average adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air a day
Up
to 70% of air pollution is caused by cars and trucks
Air
Pollution causes shortness of breath and reduces lung function,
even in healthy adults
One
out of every three people exposed to air pollution is at a higher
risk of experiencing health-related effects
Ozone
and Particulate Matter (PM) are the two major pollutants in Catawba
County.
What
Is Ozone?
A
colorless gas found in the air we breathe
Referred
to as smog
Formed
when air pollutants "bake" in the hot, summer sun
Comes
from cars and industries
When
ozone levels are high, the following factors are usually in place:
sunshine; clear sky; temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit; little
or no wind
Unhealthy
levels usually occur between Noon and 6 p.m. from May through September.
Ground-level
ozone is a major summertime air pollutant
What
is Particulate Matter?
A
complex mixture of extremely small particles
and liquid droplets
PM
can be emitted directly or formed in the air from gases
Comes
from cars, trucks, buses, factories, construction sites, tilled
fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and wood burning
Can
be a problem any time of the year and any time of the day or night.
The
major source of haze that reduces visibility in many areas, including
parks
What
can be done about Ozone?
Conserve
energy
Avoid
spilling fuel and topping off the tank
Keep
engines tuned
Keep
tires properly inflated
Carpool
Refuel
after 6pm
Mow
lawns after 6pm
What
can be done about Particulate Matter?
Don't
burn trash or yard waste
Exercise
less strenuously on high particulates days
Avoid
busy roads and fires
Avoid
indoor particulates by not smoking indoors
Limit
use of candles, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
Where
can you find more information on Ozone and Particulate Matter?
Look
for the forecast in your local TV, radio or newspaper
Ozone
is forecast May-September
Particulate
Matter is forecast all year around
Call
the Catawba County Health Department at 695-5800