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Protect your health

When an Ozone Action Day Alert is issued, that means ground-level ozone concentrations are forecasted to reach levels “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” In this range, people with heart or lung health issues, older adults, children, people with diabetes, outdoor workers, and outdoor athletes are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors if possible. 

But ozone affects everyone! Regardless if you consider yourself part of these groups, it is a good idea to watch for coughing or shortness of breath on high ozone days, as that is a sign it could be affecting your health. 

Ground-level ozone levels are usually highest between 12 p.m and 8 p.m. in the summer months. On action days, we recommend people take some of the following actions to reduce their exposure: 

Illustration of a man reading a book on a couch under an air conditioning unit on a sunny day, encouraging people to stay inside when ozone levels are high

Opt inside

Take it easy and stay inside during peak hours for ozone. Close the windows and run fans or the AC, if possible. 

Illustration of a man jogging through a city neighborhood with trees and buildings, promoting ways to exercise outside during low ozone hours

Get a head start

Exercise outdoors in the morning hours, instead of after work or in the early evening.

Illustration of a family having a picnic at sunset near the mountains, encouraging people to chase the sunset by enjoying outdoor activities in the evening hours

Chase the sunset

Take advantage of our late summer sunsets with activities outdoors after 7 or 8 p.m., when ozone levels decrease. 

Illustration of a woman taking a leisurely walk with her dog through a sunny neighborhood, reminding residents to take it easy outdoors during high ozone hours

Take it easy

Reduce the intensity of your activity outdoors in the afternoon or early evening. 

Illustration of a woman practicing yoga on a mat indoors, suggesting ways to exercise indoors on high ozone days

Be strategic

Plan your outdoor activity days according to air quality forecasts. Swap the bike ride or run for a session in the gym, pool, indoor climbing gym, or a yoga class.

Illustration of a parent feeding a baby in a high chair while a portable air filter runs nearby, showing how to use an air filter to protect indoor air quality at home

Filter your air

Dealing with allergies, odors, wildfire smoke, or an illness? Running a HEPA or equivalent quality air purifier indoors can reduce many air pollutants that cause breathing difficulties when ozone is higher, and reduce the spread of illness. Air purifiers with activated carbon “pre-filters” help reduce smells and unhealthy gases indoors.

Know when it matters most

When it comes to taking actions to improve air quality, some days are more important than others! Sign up for summer ozone alerts to know when it matters most to take simple steps for better air in your community. Our timely text and email alerts can also help you protect your health.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER OZONE ALERTS TODAY!