By AP
Tulsa, Ok – Oklahoma DEQ issues ozone alert for Tulsa metro
TULSA, Okla. (AP) The Tulsa metropolitan area will be under an ozone alert.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has issued the alert for Wednesday because conditions are favorable for an unhealthy buildup of ozone near the ground.
Ground-level ozone is caused when the sun reacts with pollutants from cars and industrial plants to form ozone at or near the surface of the earth. Ozone in the upper levels of the atmosphere is beneficial in screening the sun's radiation but is harmful near the ground, particularly to those with respiratory problems.
Officials are asking residents to postpone any unnecessary driving, turn off your vehicle's air conditioner during the morning commute, refuel vehicles in the evening or after sunset and avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers or trimmers.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.