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The Transportation Management Association
of Chester County is giving free rides on two of its bus routes on
days when ground level ozone levels are especially unhealthy. Association
spokesperson Chris Nielson says, "Public transportation enables
people to do their part to help clean the air by reducing congestion
during peak travel hours."
Nielson says vehicular emissions are one of the major causes of
ozone problems, and that carpooling offers another way to curb pollution
during code red action days. Code red days occur when ozone from
cars, industry, and other sources bakes in hot sunny weather, making
it difficult for many people to breathe.
A code orange day is announced when especially sensitive groups
are at risk-including senior citizens, asthmatics, and other people
with respiratory problems. Code yellow days could cause problems
for especially sensitive people after prolonged time outdoors. Code
green means ground level ozone levels are expected to stay within
healthy proportions.
High ozone days can be predicted by weather forecasters, but a
number of activities, from driving to using lighter fluid on a charcoal
grill also contribute to ozone concentrations. Nielson says ozone
action days in Chester County have been on the rise in recent years,
accompanying the region's population growth.
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