Prince George's County, MD - Department of Environmental Resources (DER) : Air Quality Program

Prince George’s County leads the way in many efforts to reduce air pollution while alerting employees and citizens to the potential health risks of ground-level ozone and particulate matter. The County is a member of the Clean Air Partners, a public-private partnership aimed at increasing public information about the region’s air pollution problems. Through the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, the County approves the region’s official plan to reduce significant air pollution by 2010.

"WARNING: The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has issued a "CODE ORANGE" Air Quality forecast for Tuesday August 4 and Wednesday August 5, 2009. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas."

Children and adults who experience difficulty breathing should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.

County employees are urged to take these actions to reduce the emissions that lead to ozone:

Refuel County vehicles (except emergency vehicles) or personal cars after dusk whenever possible.

Reduce your travel or consolidate your trips or inspections.

If you have to drive alone, use only your newest, best-maintained vehicle.

Use teleconferencing in place of "drive-to" meetings.

At home, avoid mowing lawns with gasoline-powered mowers.

Delay painting until after dusk

County employees are also urged to sign up to join Commuter Connections, , a region-wide effort to offer ride-matching for carpools and vanpools. By sharing a ride on Air Quality Action Days, you will become an Air Quality Action Rider and help reduce pollution. Commuter Connections can also help you find the nearest transit locations for your home-to-work trip.