Do Your Share For Cleaner Air The University participates in a program to voluntarily help reduce the generation of ozone during periods that unhealthy levels are predicted. We do this by communicating information about how to reduce emmissions which lead to ozone production and urge people to take these precautions. For example: Limit daytime driving and combine errands When you must drive, try to avoid congested periods Ride public transportation or carpool to work Maintain your vehicle's emission control equipment Walk or ride a bicycle for short, easy trips Postpone the use of gasoline-powered mowers until evening Refuel your car in the evening - and don't "top off" your tank Avoid lighting your barbeque with starter fluid Avoid prolonged idling and jackrabbit starts Use latex rather than oil-based paints

Ground-level Ozone Forecast and Action Guide To find each days Ground-Level Ozone Forecast check DOHS web page or www.meto.umd.edu/~ryan/phl_ozone5.html Code Red: Unhealthful Hazy, hot and humid. Stationary high pressure. Sunny skies. Temperatures in the 90s and up. Code Orange: Unhealthful Temperatures--upper 80s to low 90s. Slow-moving high pressure. Sunny skies and light winds. Code Yellow: Moderate Temperatures--upper 70s to mid-80s. Light to moderate wind. High pressure system. Partly cloudy to sunn skies. Code Green: Good Temperatures--upper 70s to mid-80s. Passing cold front. Windy Conditions. Partly sunny to cloudy skies or rain.

Research shows that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ground-level ozone can cause lung damage in humans. Like a sunburn on your skin, ozone can "burn" cells in the lung's airways , ultimately leading to permanent lung damage. Young children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are more at risk to the effects of ground-level ozone and should avoid the outdoors. Even healthy adults exercising outside may experience lung problems on high ozone days.