Tips for Your Car
Summer
Just Say No to Idling
is the season
for ozone pollution!
Avoid long periods of idling when parked,
especially in heavy traffic or waiting for a train.
Reduce “warm-up” idling to 30 seconds at the
most.
Simple
things
Stop at the Click
Don’t overfill your gas tank. By stopping at the
click, you’ll cut down on gasoline vapors!
each of us can do
daily to keep
our air clean.
Get Your Gas Cap Tested
A faulty gas cap can allow up to one gallon of
gas to evaporate right out of your tank every
two weeks!
Fuel Up in the Evening or Early Morning
Refueling at these cooler times will help reduce
vapors that escape to form ozone.
How can we avoid unhealthy
exposure to ozone?
The air quality index, or AQI, is a scale used to
report actual levels of ozone and other common
pollutants in the air. The AQI has been divided
into categories that correspond to different
levels of health concern. The higher the AQI
the greater the concern. Paying attention to
the AQI can alert you to ozone levels.
(See apcd.state.co.us/aqi.aspx)
fcgov.com/airquality
Ozone (O3)
and YOU
Why It Matters
Where can we find out more
information?
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Visit fcgov.com/airquality. To obtain Ozone
Action Alert information, sign up at:
ozoneaware.org, or call 888-484-3247.
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Maintain Your Vehicle
A well maintained vehicle pollutes less than
one that is maintained poorly.
What is ozone?
How does ozone affect our health?
Around the House & Yard
Ground-level ozone is a form of air pollution
that impacts the Front Range during the hottest
time of the year, usually the summer months.
Ozone is formed when a combination of
pollutants—such as volatile organic compounds
and nitrogen oxides from a variety of sources—
undergo a chemical reaction in the heat of the
day.
Short and-long term exposure to ground-level
ozone has been linked to many negative health
effects. Exposure to this type of ozone can
make people more susceptible to respiratory
infections, result in lung inflammation and
aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions
such as asthma. Other health effects include
decreased lung function and increased
respiratory problems, such as chest pain and
coughing. These effects usually occur when
individuals are actively exercising, working or
playing outdoors. The elderly, young children
and those with pre-existing respiratory
conditions are especially at risk.
Mow When the Sun is Low
Mow or do other yard work in the evening or
early morning, if using gas-powered lawn
equipment. It will help reduce ozone levels
and will be more comfortable for you.
Where does ozone come from?
Cars, gas-powered lawn equipment, oil-based
paints, stains and solvents all contribute to
ground-level ozone formation. When volatile
organic compounds and nitrogen oxides ‘bake’
in the hot sun, they form ozone, the O3
molecule.
Wait! Aren’t we trying to protect
the ozone layer?
Absolutely! What we’re trying to protect is
stratospheric ozone, which exists miles above
the earth and shields us from the sun’s harmful
rays. Ground-level ozone, on the other hand,
is an air pollutant that can cause breathing
and health problems. Remember…“Good up
high, bad nearby”.
What is the ozone status of the North
Front Range?
Fort Collins is part of a large Front Range area
including Loveland, Greeley, Denver and Boulder
that is out of compliance with the 8-hour ozone
health standard. This means that summer air
quality needs to be improved, and we’re just
the people to help our regional community with
that job!
How can we reduce ground-level
ozone?
Although ground-level ozone pollution is a
complex problem, there are many simple things
each of us can do every day to help reduce
ozone levels in our community. Most of these
strategies not only help the environment, but
they also save us money!
Use Electric or Manual Lawn Equipment
These emit little to no emissions and are now
widely available. Also, gas-powered models
made after 1999 have pollution controls and
are also a good choice.
Keep Lawn Equipment Well-Maintained
Use a Funnel to Refuel Equipment
Use Water-Based Paints
Oil-based paint, stains and solvents give off
more toxic fumes than water-based products.
Use Paint Brushes and Rollers
Paint sprayers put tiny paint particles into the
air that contribute to ozone pollution.
Tightly Cap All Solvents
Solvents, degreasers, paint thinners and
gasoline all give off fumes. Tighten lids and
caps and store away from heat and sunlight.
Avoid Lighter Fluid to Start Your Barbeque
Use a charcoal chimney or electric starter
instead.