Self-Preservation

From the perspective of most folks, I'm sure the mere presence of snowflakes is enough to dissuade one from riding one's bicycle to work. Here's what it takes to dissuade me (from the Wisconsin DNR Air Quality listserv):

From: "DNR Air Quality Report"
Date: December 20, 2007 10:18:51 AM CST
Subject: Air Quality Advisory for Particle Pollution (Red)

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Air Quality Advisory for Particle Pollution (Red) effective Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:16:53 AM through Friday, December 21, 2007 11:59:59 AM for Dane, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha counties.

The advisory is being issued because of persistent elevated levels of fine particles in the air. These fine particles come primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and wood fires.

The Air Quality Index is currently in the red level, which is considered unhealthy for everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease including asthma, older adults and children. When a red advisory is issued for particle pollution, everyone should cut back or reschedule strenuous activities and people in sensitive groups should avoid any strenuous activity.

People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, and heart disease should pay attention to car diac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. Fine particle pollution deposits itself deep into the lungs and cannot easily be exhaled. People who are at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high particle pollution exposure.

To receive air quality advisories by e-mail, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/air/newsletters/

There are several actions the public can take to reduce their contributions to this regional air quality problem:

• Reduce driving when possible and don't leave vehicle engines idling.


• Postpone activities that use small gasoline and diesel engines.


• Minimize outdoor wood fires.


• Conserve electricity.

For more ideas on how you can reduce your emissions today and every day visit: Do a little, save a lot!
For more information:

• Federal interagency air quality web site, for information on the Air Quality Index and nationwide air quality forecasts and air quality conditions, http://airnow.gov


• DNR's statewide air quality monitoring web page, http://dnrmaps.wisconsin.gov/wisards


• For local DNR air management program contacts, http://dnr.wi.gov/air/about/regions

So I took the bus today.