http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/groundleve_1111.mp3
Every so often, the air can make you sick, or what's in the air, that is. KSMU's Michele Skalicky has more.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is asking area residents to take steps to reduce ground-level ozone pollution this summer.
According to Doug Neidigh, the Health Department's air quality coordinator, ground level ozone is the major component of smog.
That Mixture can cause health problems. Neidigh says they vary at different concentrations.
People with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, children and senior adults are most at risk for adverse health affects caused by ground level ozone.
While many people association poor air quality with larger cities like Los Angeles, Neidigh says Springfield's ground level ozone can sometimes get too high.
There are simple steps individuals can take to help reduce emissions from sources that contribute to the formation of ground level ozone.
There are also other things you can do to help reduce ground level ozone: carpool, take the bus, plan errands in advance and consolidate driving trips, reduce vehicle idling and refuel vehicles in the evening on hot summer days and avoid topping off your gas tank.
To see ground level ozone forecasts, go to airnow.gov. There are also tips on the site for protecting your health when the amounts of ground level ozone are high and ways that you can help reduce the amount of ground level ozone.
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