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News Release 286
DEPARTMENT ISSUES UNHEALTHY OZONE STATEMENT
FOR ST. LOUIS AREA
Volume 34-286 |
Contact: Renee Bungart |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-4465 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 19, 2006 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recorded high concentrations of ground-level ozone in the St. Louis area on July 17 and 18 and forecasts, based on preliminary data, indicate it may continue for several days.
On July 17, the department recorded the high readings at the West Alton monitor, one of eight Missouri monitors located in the St. Louis area. On July 18, the department recorded the high readings at the Sunset Hills and West Alton monitors.
High concentrations of ozone are considered unhealthy and can cause problems for those with existing heart or respiratory conditions, or even healthy individuals spending extended periods of time outdoors. In the general population, an elevated ozone level can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and make breathing difficult.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the St. Louis metropolitan area as a "non-attainment area" for ground-level ozone. This means the area currently violates the federal health-based standard, which is based on a three-year average of monitoring data. When concentrations on individual days reach unhealthy levels, this is known as an "exceedance." In summer 2005, the St. Louis region experienced ozone exceedances on 24 individual days. So far this year, the region has experienced exceedances on 18 individual days.
Emissions from automobiles and industry containing volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides create urban ground-level ozone in the presence of sunlight. Higher levels of ozone are most likely to form on summer days with temperatures above 85 degrees, little or no precipitation, lots of sunshine and light winds. When several of these days occur in a row, the risk of unhealthy ozone levels is significantly increased.
St. Louis residents can help reduce ground-level ozone by following these simple tips:
- Use mass transit, carpool, bike or walk to work, school or on errands. Remember to take special care during these conditions if you have breathing problems.
- Keep your cars properly maintained, and see a repair technician if your "Check Engine" light is on.
- Refuel after 7 p.m., and don't top off your gas tank.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered yard machines. Use an electric or push lawn mower.
- Avoid using lighter fluid when barbecuing. Use a chimney or electric starter to light your coals.
- Become more energy efficient. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, and turn the air conditioner up a few degrees.
Looking at ways to decrease emissions and to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels are all part of the Department of Natural Resources' strategies to improve air quality in Missouri.
Ozone monitoring data is available from the Missouri Air Quality Data System on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/AQDS/index.do. To view St. Louis' air quality forecast, you may visit St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership at www.cleanair-stlouis.com. For more information on ozone, call the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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