Yesterday’s record setting temperatures caused two of the regions 15 active air quality monitors to register Code Red. Both “violating” monitor sites -- River Terrace and McMillan Reservoir -- are in the District. This is the region’s first Code Red violation in two years.

To view a map of regional air quality monitor locations, click here.

Under federal law, even one Code Red monitor reading causes the entire region to be in violation. (Imagine a federal law that would hold an entire school district in violation if just one school had failing test scores. Or if one student failed an exam, the entire class failed.)

Improved technology is the key to improving air quality, but so is doing what we can as individuals to reduce ground level ozone.

Actions that individuals can take or avoid to improve air quality on extremely hot days include:

Do’s

• Postpone unnecessary trips and combine others
• Carpool, telework or take public transit

Don’ts

• Don’t refuel your car during the day. (Refuel in the evening)
• Don’t mow your lawn.
• Don’t use charcoal grills. (Gas or electric are ok.)

The fact that our region’s air quality has improved dramatically over the past two decades despite millions of new people, jobs and automobiles indicates we are on the right track.

However, we can do even better if everyone accepts their responsibility to do their part.