What You Can Do - Air Topics

General Air Topics	What You Can Do to Clean the Air How You Can Keep the Air Cleaner How Can I Protect the Ozone Layer Mold Ozone: Good Up High Bad Nearby Partners Working With Air
Outdoor Air	Check daily air quality forecasts to learn about current conditions in your community and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. Use paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers that are water-based or low in volatile organic compounds. On ozone action days, refuel your vehicle after dusk. Use gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment later in the day, or on days when the air quality is better. Avoid spilling gasoline, and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly. Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials that cause particle pollution when incinerated.
Acid Rain and Regional Haze	Reduce your use of fossil fuel generated electricity. Use energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and home electronics. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on these products. Elect not to use fossil fuel generated electricity. Consult with Department of Energy for information about the availability of "green power" from your local utility. Conserve energy by insulating your home as best you can and by turning your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer. Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for spark plugs). Choose a cleaner commute - share a ride to work, use public transportation, walk, or bicycle. Drive wise - reduce car idling, combine errands, and reduce the number of trips you take with your vehicle.
Ozone Depletion	Make sure refrigerants from home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers are recovered and recycled during servicing. If you are replacing home appliances make sure your old ones are properly disposed of and look for new ones that do not contain HCFC-22. Because ozone depletion allows more of the sun's ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth, take steps to protect your exposed skin, and your family's - especially when the UV Index is high.
Greenhouse Gases	Ask your utility company about purchasing clean energy for your home and workplace. When replacing windows, install energy-saving models. Choose the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Use EPA's personal emissions calculator to estimate your greenhouse gas emissions and explore ways to lower them. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. The manufacture, distribution, and use of products - as well as the management of the resulting waste - all produce greenhouse gases.
Indoor Air	Test your home for radon and have it fixed if radon is found at or above EPA's Action Level. If you are buying a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction. Pledge not to smoke in your home and car - and do not allow family and visitors to do so. Talk to your children's teachers and day care providers about keeping the places where your children spend time free from second-hand smoke and radon. If you or someone you know have children in Head Start, work with your Head Start provider through the Care for Their Air campaign - an EPA joint effort with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What You Can Do - Air Topics

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