Full Notification

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Springfield, Illinois, has called for an Air Quality Action Day for high levels of Fine Particles PM 2.5 in the air from now through midnight CDT tonight for all of southern Illinois. This alert is in effect until midnight CDT tonight. Here are some recommended actions that the public can take to reduce the impact of Particulates on their health:

* Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood fired boilers

* Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to fine particulates and avoid exercising near busy roads

* Avoid using gasoline powered lawn equipment or recreational vehicles

* Turn off your engine when idling for more than 10 seconds

* Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when Particulates PM 2.5 are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

* AFFECTED AREAS: JEFFERSON ... WAYNE ... EDWARDS ... WABASH ... PERRY ... FRANKLIN ... HAMILTON ... WHITE ... JACKSON ... WILLIAMSON ... SALINE ... GALLATIN ... UNION ... JOHNSON ... POPE ... HARDIN ... ALEXANDER ... PULASKI ... MASSAC