Today is a Knozone Action Day. Here's what you need to know

Bad news for those around the grills, pools and beaches this holiday. May 29 and 30 are Knozone Action Days in Central Indiana, declared by Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability.

On Knozone Action Days, the city encourages residents to take measures to reduce air pollution, as the air quality may become unhealthy for everyone. People in vulnerable groups — especially active children, the elderly and anyone suffering from asthma, lung disease, COVID-19 or other serious health problems — should avoid spending a lot of time outdoors, the sustainability office said. 

About 11% of Indianapolis residents live with asthma, and 8.6% of Indianapolis residents live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease − both figures higher than the national averages, according to the office.

Hot, sunny weather along with light winds are creating potentially unhealthy ground-level amounts of ozone, which is the primary contributor to smog in urban areas.

These are the second and third Knozone Action Days for 2023, following a declaration on April 13.

The office recommends residents:

• Refuel vehicles after 7 p.m.
• Delay using powered lawn equipment
• Don’t let your vehicle idle
• Opt to walk, bike, take public transit or carpool rather than riding solo
• Combine errands to reduce trips back and forth
• Delay use of garden, household and workshop chemicals until air has returned to healthy levels
• Turn off lights or set the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above
• Don't burn trash

For more information, visit nozone.com.