The first air quality alert for the Knoxville valley and Great Smoky Mountains was issued for June 1st. This alert came a month later than last year, in spite of new ozone standards that went in effect in 2008. The revised standards are based on new scientific evidence and are more protective of human health. The alerts are issued much as a weather forecast in that conditions such that poor air quality may result. Thirty-two alerts were issued last year between April 1st and mid-September, though not all resulted in poor air quality days. The Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow website provides current air quality conditions and forecasts.
Following are steps you can take to reduce air pollution:
- Car pool or use public transportation (KAT is free on air alert days
- Limit engine idling, skip the drive thru
- Combine errands
- Conserve energy by turning off unneeded appliances/lights
- Cut back air conditioning
- Postpone lawn mowing and filling of gas tanks until evening
- No open burning
- Take your lunch or walk to a nearby restaurant
