What is an action day?

Action days occur when ground-level ozone or PM2.5 pollution and weather conditions run the risk of causing increased health concerns.

When ground-level ozone and PM2.5 pollution levels are high, the air quality may become unhealthy for everyone, which would initiate a Knozone Action Day. More susceptible groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with asthma, should avoid spending a lot of time outside. If you have concerns about how air pollution affects your health, contact your doctor.

How can you take action? Use our Action Day guides to learn about simple steps you can take to make the air safer during ground-level ozone and PM2.5 action days.

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Ground level ozone action day tips

Refuel when it's cool

During hot summer days, gasoline fumes can react with sunlight and heat to form ground-level ozone. Refueling after 7pm lowers risk of harmful emissions.

Wait to use powered lawn tools

Anything that needs power (e.g., gas, electricity, etc.) runs on fossil fuels which release emissions when used. It’s best to avoid using these tools during the hottest hours of the day.

Avoid vehicle idling

Letting your car idle for longer than 10 seconds releases more emissions than simply restarting. It’s best to avoid heavy traffic times, drive-thru lanes, and other idling.

Opt for a clean commute

There are many options for a cleaner commute — walk, ride a bike, take public transit, or consider carpooling to prevent or minimize emissions.

Delay chemical use

Everyday garden, household, and workshop chemicals contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react with sunlight and heat to form harmful ground-level ozone. It’s best to delay use of these.

Make fewer trips

Combine errands to reduce your trips back and forth. This will save time and reduce emissions in the air. It’s a win-win.

Inspire others to take action

Indiana is our home and preserving the quality of its air is our shared responsibility. Spread the word with friends and family on ways we can all make a positive impact.

Particulate matter (pm2.5) action day tips

Use alternatives to open burning

Opt to compost or recycle yard trimmings and garden scraps on days when PM2.5 pollution is high. Open burning releases smoke and other emissions directly into the air.

Make fewer trips

Combine errands to reduce your trips back and forth. Not only will you save time, but you will reduce pollutants in the air.

Reduce your fireplace use, even if it is cold

Wood-burning fireplaces contribute to the level of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. Limit your usage on days when pollution levels are high.

Opt for a clean commute

There are many options for a cleaner commute — walk, ride a bike, take public transit, or consider carpooling to prevent or minimize polluting the air with more PM2.5.

Wait to use powered lawn tools

Anything that needs power (e.g., gas, electricity, etc.) runs on fossil fuels, which release particulate matter when used. It’s best to avoid using these tools during the hottest hours of the day.

Steer clear of vehicle idling

Letting your car idle for longer than 10 seconds releases more emissions than simply restarting. It’s best to avoid heavy traffic times, drive-thru lanes, and other idling.

Avoid gas-powered lawn equipment

Everyday garden, household, and workshop equipment release pollutants into the atmosphere, which can become trapped on high-pollution days.

Inspire others to take action

Indiana is our home and preserving the quality of its air is our shared responsibility. Spread the word with friends and family on ways we can all make a positive impact.

Learn how you can help keep our air clean every day

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