The Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability issued a first ever season-long advisory for ground-level ozone pollution and wildfire smoke, in effect from April 1 through Sept. 30.
The county has issued a season-long ozone advisory before, but this is the first year they are issuing the smoke advisory to prepare for wildfire smoke drifting into Southern Nevada.
“This is a necessary change to our seasonal air quality advisory due to the impacts of climate change, drought and other factors,” said DES Director Marci Henson in a media release. “Wildfire smoke during the summer months has become the new normal for Las Vegas."
Smoke is made of small particles and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation. Exposure to ozone can induce coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath even in healthy people.
SMOKE AND OZONE TIPS
- Stay indoors when you smell or see smoke.
- Limit outdoor activity and exertion when ozone levels are elevated – exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of ozone and particulates you may inhale.
- Keep windows and doors closed. Run your air conditioner inside your house and car. Air conditioning filters out smoke and particulates.
- Change your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
- Schedule activities for the morning or evening when ozone levels are usually lower.
- Substitute a less intense activity – walk instead of jog, for example.
- Always consult your doctor first for medical advice.
HELPFUL TIPS TO REDUCE OZONE
Because exhaust from cars, trucks and other vehicles are major contributors to ozone, people can follow these helpful, everyday tips to reduce ozone:
- Reduce driving – combine errands into one trip.
- Don’t idle your car engine unnecessarily.
- Use mass transit or carpool.
- Fill up your gas tank after sunset. Try not to spill gasoline when filling up and don’t top off your tank.
- Keep your car well maintained.
- Consider landscaping that uses less water and gas-powered equipment to maintain.
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Less fuel burned at power plants means cleaner air.
