Look forward to real summer weather by signing up to receive emails on
local air quality. At www.FDLHealthyAir.com, you can sign up to
receive Air Quality E-Notices when ozone levels creep into the danger
zone.

"High ozone levels in the summer can affect asthma sufferers and
people with heart problems," said Diane Cappozzo, Fond du Lac County
Health Officer. "Even healthy children and active adults who spend
much of their time outside can be affected and should pay attention to
these alerts."

Ozone is a pollutant caused by motor exhaust and industrial processes
mixing with light and heat. Residents can reduce levels of ozone
produced by limiting the amount they drive. Fueling up, mowing lawns,
or using other motorized vehicles or chemicals during the cooler times
of the day also limits the amount of ozone in the air at ground
level.

According to the Dept. of Natural Resources, ozone can cause coughing,
difficulty breathing, reduced lung function and aggravate existing
health concerns such as asthma. DNR announces an Air Quality Watch
when air pollution is forecast to be at unhealthy levels in the
county. They issue an Air Quality Advisory when air pollution has
reached unhealthy levels.

Both watches and advisories for Fond du Lac County will be sent to
subscribers of the Air Quality E-Notice. The Fond du Lac Reporter also
will send text message alerts to those who sign up through their
website, www.fdlreporter.com.

The website, http://www.FDLHealthyAir.comand the "Healthy Air, Healthy
Us" education campaign are the work of the NEW Air Coalition, a group
of representatives from Fond du Lac County government, business and
education working together to improve air quality and the health of
county residents. Learn more at http://www.FDLHealthyAir.com