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Ozone Action Day: What it Means & What You Can Do

The Air Quality Index level for New Orleans is Code Orange - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. If you have respiratory problems please limit your time outdoors.

NEW ORLEANS — The Ozone Action Day has been extended through Saturday for parts of Louisiana from 7 AM until midnight. Air Quality is at a Code Orange.

Credit: Payton Malone

Increasing ozone levels may cause unhealthy air quality especially during afternoon hours. Active children and adults, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor activities and exertion.

Ozone is common in the stratosphere, which can be between 9-18 miles in the sky.

Credit: Payton Malone

During the summer months when the weather is often quiet, hot and calm, ozone can form closer to the surface. This is when Ozone Action Days are issued. Ozone forms due to the sun and a chemical reaction from emissions and other things near the Earth's suface. Ozone is often highest during the afternoon and evening.

Here are some voluntary measures residents can taken to help reduce the formation of ozone: 

• Drive less. Carpool, walk and bike, combine errands and care for your car. Be sure your gas cap is on tight.

• Refuel your vehicle, mow grass and use gas powered lawn equipment and off road vehicles after 6 p.m.

• Postpone chores that use oil based paint, varnishes and solvents that produce flame.

• If you barbecue, use an electric starter instead of starter fluid.

• Take your lunch to work or walk to lunch

• Conserve Energy in your home

More information about current air quality and what you can do to help prevent ozone formation is available online at the DEQ website here.  For questions, please call (866) 896-5337. 

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