Air Quality Alert Issued for Cook County

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day throughout Cook County for Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

This is the fourth air pollution awareness day in 2011, according to Cleantheair.org.

The day has been declared becuase "weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the unhealthy for sensitive groups category of the air quality index," according to the NWS. In conjunction with the announcement, the NWS has issued an Air Quality Alert.

(Check out other, recent weather alerts issued for Cook County)

Residents with any respiratory or pulmonary issues, like asthma, are asked to "limit outdoor activity."

Meanwhile Cleantheair.org offers these tips to reduce air pollution:

• Take public transit, Rideshare walk or bike.
• If driving, avoid idling, consolidate errands and run them after 7 p.m. when sunlight is not as strong.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Set your thermostat up at least 2 degrees during the summer.
• Turn off and unplug electronics not in use.
• Use environmentally friendly household and cleaning products.
• Use a charcoal chimney or gas grill instead of lighter fluid when grilling.
• Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment on Air Pollution Action Days.
• Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.