Knozone days stand to break records - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Today, much of Indiana is under another heat advisory. The Indianapolis metro area has now set a record for the most Knozone Action Days.

According to research by our newsgathering partners at the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis has declared 12 Knozone Action Days, where high ozone levels exacerbate breathing problems in some people.

Knozone season typically runs through October, but July and August historically have the most.  So we are likely to continue adding to that record number.

Ground-level ozone exceeds healthy levels when sunlight reacts with emissions from cars and industrial sources. The combination of warmer temperatures, sun, cloud cover, and lack of wind create a rise in concentration of harmful particles in the air and ground-level ozone, which, in turn, can irritate the lungs.  People who are most vulnerable are children and the elderly, people with asthma, and respiratory or heart disease.

Actual Knozone days occur when harmful particles measured in the air exceed EPA-mandated levels, with the 12 so far this summer breaking the previous record of 11 days for the entire season in 2008.

As for predicted Knozone Action Days, the region has declared 15 so far this summer, tying the record set back in 2007.

The EPA has enacted stricter regulations on vehicle and factory emissions, and overall air quality has improved in recent years.

But in this current weather, everyone's help is needed to keep from adding to the record number of days the region violates the EPA guidelines.

Avoid driving your car by finding other forms of transportation, or carpool. Don't idle a parked car, or turn it off while waiting in a drive-through line. And fill your gas tank  after 6 p.m.

To learn more: https://www.indy.gov/knozone