Air Quality Alert Issued for Martha's Vineyard

As we gear up for another stunning beach day, the National Weather Service is asking those in Dukes County to be aware of an Air Quality Action Day for ground level ozone from 11 am to 11 pm today.

An Air Quality Action Day means that ground level ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "some symptoms of breathing ground level ozone are chest pain, coughing, nausea, throat irritation, and congestion. It may also aggravate bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma. Children, senior citizens, and those with asthma or other respiratory problems are urged to limit outdoor activities when an ozone action day is predicted."

They also issued the following 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Ozone Formation on Air Quality Action days:

1. Instead of driving, share a ride, take public transportation, walk or bike.
2. Keep your car well maintained to limit excess emissions.
3. If you must drive, avoid excessive idling or jack-rabbit starts, and try to consolidate errands.
4. Don't refuel your car, or only do so after 7 pm.
5. Avoid using outboard motors, off-road vehicles, or other gasoline powered recreational vehicles.
6. Wait to mow your lawn until late evening or the next day. Also, avoid using gas powered garden equipment.
7. Use latex paints instead of oil-based paints, solvents, or varnishes that produce fumes.
8. If you are barbecuing, use an electric starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid.
9. Limit or postpone your household chores that will involve the use of consumer products.
10. Conserve energy to reduce energy needs.