The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability has declared a Knozone Action Day for Thursday, June 12, warning of unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
Forecasted high temperatures, sunny skies, light winds and wildfire smoke are expected to combine with urban emissions to create elevated ground-level ozone levels, which are particularly hazardous for vulnerable populations.
The Air Quality Index for Thursday has been classified as orange, indicating air conditions that are “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” This includes children, older adults, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease or other respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible, especially those at higher risk.
Nearly 20% of Marion County residents fall into these sensitive categories, highlighting the public health and environmental justice implications of unhealthy air quality. Ground-level ozone, unlike the protective ozone layer in the atmosphere, is a harmful pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with hydrocarbons from sources like vehicles and lawn equipment.
Community members are encouraged to monitor air quality using resources like the EPA’s AirNow app, Knozone.com, or by signing up for alerts at smogwatch.in.gov. Additionally, the Office of Sustainability shares reminders on its @SustainIndy social media channels.
Residents can help reduce ozone levels by:
- Avoiding vehicle idling
- Using public transportation or carpooling
- Delaying refueling and lawn equipment use until cooler temperatures
- Conserving energy by raising thermostat settings
Thursday marks the first Knozone Action Day of 2025. For more information and tips to improve air quality, visit knozone.com/actionday.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
