Environmental Progress - Summer 1997

Chicago Clean Air Fair Spotlights Anti-Smog Fight

Cleaner summertime air for Chicago was the target of the event.

Efforts of the Partners for Clean Air to raise public awareness about the effects of air pollution and identify steps to reduce emissions that can cause ozone (smog) got a lift during a Clean Air Fair held at the James R. Thompson Center in the Chicago Loop, on June 5. Elevated ozone levels traditionally occur in the Chicago area during the summer.

Clean Air Fair visitors inspect Chicago's first taxi fueled by compressed natural gas.

The event featured alternate fuel vehicles that operate on cleaner-burning ethanol, natural gas, propane and electricity. In addition, there were booths, interactive displays and videos related to air pollution. Displays included Commonwealth Edison's "Safety Town" and a demonstration by the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago on what it is like to have asthma.

The Illinois EPA displayed vehicle emissions testing and consumer products that are potentially ozone-producing.

The Partners coalition consists of more than 300 member companies and organizations in the Chicago area that voluntarily reduce or curtail ozone-producing activities when an Ozone Action Day is declared by the Illinois EPA. The Partners members also promote clean air initiatives and conduct public outreach regarding air pollution and the Ozone Action Day program. Ozone Action Days are called when warm weather conditions are conducive to the formation of high levels of ozone.

Ground-level ozone levels typically rise between May and October when higher temperatures and an increased amount of sunlight combine with atmospheric conditions, making breathing difficult for many people. Ozone air pollution contributes to lung disease, the third leading cause of death in the United States. Ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and eye and nose irritation. It is especially dangerous to older adults, children, asthmatics and people with other chronic respiratory ailments.

For more information, call the Partners for Clean Air Hotline at 1-800-451-5983.