The Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced the launch of the 2013 Knozone Season to coincide with National Air Quality Awareness Week. Through the Knozone program, the city monitors air quality daily and declares Knozone Action Days when conditions reach levels that may present breathing difficulties for sensitive groups.
Two of the most common pollutants in the U.S.—ozone and particle pollution—pose health risks for hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. High levels of ozone and particle pollution can present breathing challenges for young children, older adults and people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
“The beginning of Knozone season is a reminder that air quality affects all of the citizens of Indianapolis,” DPW Director Lori Miser. “Not only is clean air important for our city’s health and environment, it’s also important for our city’s economy in attracting and retaining businesses and families.”
The Knozone program is designed to educate the public about the effects of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution on public health and the environment. While Knozone action days are more common in warmer weather, action days can occur at any time throughout the year.
During this Knozone season, residents can help reduce air pollution by doing the following:
- Carpooling and combining errands
- Using public transportation
- Filling gas tanks and mowing after 6 p.m.
- Reducing the use of chemicals or paint that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
The Knozone program was created in 1996 and is currently administered by the City’s Office of Sustainability. The City of Indianapolis offers a free email notification service to alert citizens that a Knozone Action Day has been declared. To receive email notification of Knozone Action Days, sign up at Indy.gov/knozone or call (317) 327-4AIR.
