LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)—On hot summer days air quality can be a problem because the sunshine and warm temperatures promote a chemical reaction that causes pollution and ground level ozone.
The Department of Natural Resources monitors air quality through out the day and you can see the map on their web site.
Tuesday in La Crosse the air quality was good. But that can change quickly.
"A lot of our problems could come from 100 miles away or 300 or 400 miles away because of the way our air moves we're not always in control of our own air quality," Jim Steinhoff, Environmental Health and Lab Manager, La Crosse County said.
Ozone ten miles up in the sky protects us from damaging sun rays, but ground level ozone causes problems for us.
"It hurts not just people and their lungs but it can damage buildings and plants, just about anything it comes into contact with for a long period of time," Steinhoff said.
Days when ozone is expected to be high:
- Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
- Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
- Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
- Combine errands and reduce trips.
- Limit engine idling.
- Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.
Days when particle pollution is expected to be high:
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
