Commitment to Clean Air
OKI’s Regional Clean Air Program is committed to spreading the clean air message by educating people of the harmful effects of ozone and particulate matter pollution, while also teaching how they can individually reduce air pollution.
Ozone and particulate matter pollution are critical issues throughout our region and improved air quality leads to better quality of life and enhanced economic vitality.
Air Quality Alert Days
The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency monitors the air in the region. When air pollution levels are considered high, an Air Quality Alert is issued.
On Air Quality Alert days, we can all do our share to keep our air safe: riding a bike or rollerblading instead of driving, for example. Remember, it all adds up to Cleaner Air.
Why We Should Do Our Share
Clean air is good for our health and our environment. It’s also beneficial for our bottom line. By reducing emissions and maintaining clean air, the Greater Cincinnati area can avoid federal designations that convey a perception of decreased livability, which can create a negative economic impact. That’s why it’s important for all of us to work together to reduce air pollutants, including fine particulate matter and ozone.
If you have asthma or are affected by air pollutants, visit the Air Quality Index.
For more information on Air Quality, please visit Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency.
Smog, a chronic issue throughout our region, hurts our health and our economy. It affects everyone — however, children, the elderly and people with asthma or other respiratory problems are especially at risk.
We encourage every resident in the seven-county area to consider making small changes in their daily habits, especially on smog alert days to help lessen this hazy pollutant.
Your actions can make a difference in the air quality of our region!
These voluntary actions could include:
- Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving
- Refuel your vehicle after 6 p.m., do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
- Do not idle your vehicle
- Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
- Keep your vehicle maintained with properly-inflated tires and timely oil changes
- Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days
- Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days
- Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
- Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves
- Avoid using fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Alert days
- Conserve electricity
