Clean Air Is Up To You!

It's time for us to do something about air pollution. Each one of us has a personal responsibility to keep the air in our homes and communities clean and sage to breathe. The following are simple tips on what you can do today and every day for cleaner air quality.

Join a carpool or use alternative transportation at least once a week.

Regularly clean and maintain air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to minimize the buildup of molds and other biological pollutants.

Avoid consumer products in aerosol form -- use pumps or roll-ons instead.

Test your home for radon and have high levels reduced as soon as possible. (It's relatively inexpensive.)

Use pesticides sparingly and follow directions for proper use.

Practice energy conservation to help reduce air pollution, insulate your home, set your thermostat lower in winter and higher in summer and recycle your trash.

Keep you car in good shape and get a tune-up as recommended by the manufacturer.

Don't use wood stoves or fireplaces when air pollution levels are high. And when you do, only use dry, clean wood.

Don't "top off" your tank at the gas station. The spillage evaporates and contributes to air pollution.

Quit smoking. It not only endangers your own health, but passive smoke is also hazardous to your health.

Have your gas or oil company regularly inspect your furnace, gas water heater, and gas clothes dryer to make sure they're in proper operating condition.

Cast your vote for cleaner air. Support local legislation and regulations for strong pollution control measures for pollution sources such as power plants, factories, municipal waste incinerator plants, and motor vehicles.

Write a letter to the editor regarding concerns you have about local air pollution problems and how they affect you and your family.

Contact your local <%$alatitle%> for more information about air pollution and how it affects your lung health.

CLEAN AIR WEEK, usually held the first week in May, is the <%$alatitle%>'s annual event dedicated to improving the quality of the air we breathe. The goal of Clean Air Week is to educate the public about the increasing problem o fair pollution and its damaging effects on lung health.