INDIANAPOLIS -- Knozone is Indianapolis' voluntary ozone reduction program.

Its purpose is to educate residents about man-made ozone pollution and to encourage voluntary actions that they can take to improve air quality in central Indiana. Although the actions promoted in the program are voluntary, they can be highly effective when taken by many people and businesses.

GET IN THE 'KNO' Knozone Web Site Air Quality Phone Line: (317) 327-4AIR

For 17 years, Indianapolis' ozone levels did not meet federal government air quality standards and was designated as non-attainment for the ozone pollutant. Thanks to years of hard work from city leaders and the business and industrial community, Indianapolis reduced ozone levels below the federal standards and returned to attainment status in November 1994.

However, due to new stricter ozone standards, central Indiana is at risk of violating the federal standards again. A return to non-attainment status could result in significant implications for area residents and businesses. Many cities that have been designated as non-attainment have been forced to restrict and limit the location and expansion of industry. In addition, some communities now require mandatory vehicle inspection and maintenance programs for all cars and trucks and the use of lower vapor pressure gasoline, which can lead to higher gas prices for the public.

Knozone Action Days

Knozone Action Days are the main component of the ozone awareness campaign and are declared when there is the potential for ozone levels to reach or exceed the federal health-based air quality standards. Local experts predict Knozone Action Days as early as 2 p.m. the day before it occurs, based on ozone concentrations and weather conditions such as wind speed, temperature and cloud cover. The public is notified via television weather reports, newspaper notifications, radio announcements, e-mail alerts, voice mail messages and paid advertising. A Knozone Action Day is a call to action so that residents and area businesses can voluntarily choose to change their behavior for the benefit of the city's air quality.

Knozone Action Day Tips For Consumers:

• Ride the bus.
• Carpool with friends or co-workers.
• Wait until after 6 p.m. to fill up your gas tank.
• Keep your car tuned-up.
• Mow your lawn after 6 p.m.
• Use water-based rather than oil-based paints and solvents.
• Walk.
• Ride a bicycle.
• Combine errands to reduce the number of car trips you have to make.
• Limit engine idling.
• Be careful not to spill fuel when filling gas tanks.
• Reduce the amount of time spent waiting in drive-thru lanes- go inside instead.

Knozone Action Day Tips for Businesses:

• Fuel fleet vehicles late in the day.
• Limit or discontinue operation that are not essential on that specific day (i.e. asphalting a parking lot or painting a building).
• Use water-based rather than oil-based paints/solvents.
• Halt grass mowing/weed eating until 6 p.m.
• Limit truck deliveries.
• Organize company van pools.
• Develop and employee carpool incentive program.
• Place informative posters around the office.
• Notify employees of Knozone Action Days.
• Incorporate flex work schedules.
• Encourage telecommuting.

For the latest air quality readings, call the Knozone air quality phoneline at (317) 327-4AIR or visit the Knozone Web site at www.knozone.com.