EnviroFlash delivers air quality information to users’ e-mail, phones

  • Published
  • By Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  May is Clean Air Month and the beginning of the ozone season. It is also the time of year when air quality is most important, because of the increase possibility of ozone formation on hot, dry summer days.

Why is ozone so important?

"Ozone can irritate your respiratory system, reduce lung function, make lungs more susceptible to infection, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and potentially cause permanent lung damage," said Brian Larrimer, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Quality element chief. "The Barksdale community tends to be very active - working and playing outside in the extreme heat and sunlight of the summer months during ozone season. Children, the elderly, people suffering with respiratory and lung diseases, even active, healthy people can be affected by ozone."

An easy way to keep informed about air quality is through EnviroFlash. EnviroFlash is an e-mail alert system delivering air quality information straight to users' inboxes or phones. Once people subscribe and fill in basic information like e-mail address and ZIP code, they will receive daily alerts with the local Air Quality Index forecasts. Subscribers will also receive alerts when ozone or particle pollution is expected to be unhealthy.

"Folks can stay aware of ozone levels near the base by checking air quality forecasts on the EnviroFlash Web site," Mr. Larrimer said. "On days when ozone levels are rising, do your part by reducing your use of automobiles, car pool, consolidate and delay errands until late in the day, conserve energy and use low volatile organic compound paints and solvents."

To stay better informed about ozone and other air quality matters, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality encourages people to sign up for the EnviroFlash system at http://shreveportarea.enviroflash.info.

"Hot weather increases the risk of elevated ozone levels," said Peggy Hatch, DEQ secretary. "Because higher ozone can have an impact on the public, we urge people to take advantage of the free EnviroFlash system. It's a simple way to stay informed and take appropriate steps to protect your health."

For more information on current air quality, go to the DEQ Web site at www.deq.louisiana.gov and the interactive EPA Web site www.airnow.gov.