the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, summer time: warm weather, sun, vacations, swimming and… air pollution? It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of summer, but it’s true. Air pollution is at its highest during the summer months.
The Ridgewood Health Department and the American Lung Association offer these helpful hints to keep you and your family healthy and safe this summer while also reducing air pollution for everyone.
As the weather heats up, ground-level ozone pollution increases as pollutants react to heat and sunlight. Ozone levels also increase due to summer wildfires. When ozone levels are high, anyone who spends time outdoors may be at risk, but children, seniors and people with lung disease are particularly vulnerable.
• Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high and in high-traffic areas. Instead, hit up the gym or walk indoors.
• Limit the amount of time your child spends playing outdoors if the air quality is unhealthy.
• Use less energy in your home by turning off lights and electronics when not in use. You can help improve air quality and save money.
• Walk, bike or carpool! Summer is a great time to bike and walk or use public transportation as an alternative to driving your car.
• If you must drive, avoid idling your car and consolidate errands.
• Don’t burn wood or other materials, which is a major source of particle pollution.
• Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gasoline-powered, which can pollute the air more than cars.
• Refuel cars and trucks after dusk when emissions are less likely to produce ozone.
• All these things and more can keep you and your family healthy and safe this summer while also reducing air pollution for everyone.
