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Air Quality Alert issued June 13 at 2:21PM CDT by NWS Tulsa OKThe Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has issued an ozonealert for Friday, for the Tulsa metropolitan area.An ozone alert means that conditions are favorable for thebuildup of ozone near the ground, to an unhealthy level.When winds are light, the vapors from fuels such as gasoline,exhaust from engines, and air pollutants from industrial activitiesremain trapped near the ground. If sunshine is abundant when theseair pollutants build up, a chemical process is triggered thatresults in the development of ozone near the ground during theafternoon and evening hours.While ozone in the upper levels of the atmosphere is beneficial inscreening the suns radiation, it is harmful near the ground. Ozonecan bother those with respiratory problems and can damage vegetation.A few simple measures can be taken to help keep the ozone levels frombecoming unhealthy. During ozone alert days:Postpone any unnecessary driving and car pool if possible.If you do drive to work,turn The air conditioner inyour car off during your morning commute. You can also cut down onextra driving by bringing your lunch to work. If you must refuel yourvehicle, do it in the evening after the sun goes down orpostpone your fueling to another day.Postpone running the lawn mower and gas trimmer, the exhaust fromthese small engines contributes a significant amount of pollutionto the air. Industrial facilities should reduce pollution emissionsas much as possible on ozone alert days.These preventative measures, performed throughout the Tulsa metroarea, can have a tremendous effect in reducing the pollutants thatcontribute to ozone problems.For further information, contact The Oklahoma Department ofEnvironmental Quality at (918) 293-1600 or the Indian NationsCouncil of Governments /incog/ at (918) 584-7526. Additionalinformation can also be found at www.ozonealert.com...including current ozone levels around the Tulsa area.

National Weather Service