Keep Air Clean

Even cities can have clean air if we all
do our part

Clean air is vital to human health and all the parts of our ecosystem. Most air pollutants come from manufacturing industries, vehicles and burning oil, gas or coal. But many come from smaller-scale, everyday activities. Just a few small changes in routine habits can make a significant difference in the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Give up your burn barrel
Municipal waste incinerators operate at 1,800 F and use filters to reduce harmful emissions, but backyard burn barrels rarely exceed 500 F, releasing up to 40 times the toxins and pollutants as permitted facilities. Especially bad are plastics, foils, batteries and chlorine-bleached paper.
Choose pump sprays over aerosol sprays
Aerosols waste much of the product, spewing it into the air (and your lungs) instead of where you want it. Also buy non-aerosol products such as deodorant rolls-ons, cooking oil instead of cooking spray, shaving soap instead of shaving cream, setting lotion or gel instead of hair spray.
Refuel garden equipment carefully
Spilled gasoline + sunlight and summer heat = pollution that irritates the lungs and causes smog. To avoid spills when refueling garden equipment, use a spout or funnel. Don't overfill. Tightly close the cap and store in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
Gas up after dusk
Refueling any motorized vehicle or appliance allows the escape of vapors that, on summer days, can lead to ozone formation. Simply waiting until dusk to refuel can reduce this phenomenon. Ozone damages crops, forests, structures, and human health.
Call the Ozone Hotline
Being active outside can be dangerous-especially for kids and seniors-if the ozone level is high. To check for advisories, call 1-800-535-1345. Ozone is created by sunlight reacting with chemicals found in gasoline and other volatile products, vehicle emissions and industrial smoke stacks.
Use water-based latex paints
Oil-based paints contain solvents that evaporate easily and give off fumes. Water-based latex paint has better color retention and releases less pollution into the air.
Check for fever with a digital thermometer
If an old-fashioned thermometer breaks, mercury can evaporate to form a harmful vapor. Never throw products containing mercury in the trash. Call local authorities for disposal programs.