July 8th was NOT an Ozone Action day, but you can always check here:

http://www.semcog.org/OzoneAction_TodaysAirQuality.aspx

The ozone layer in the stratosphere high above the earth protects people and the environment from ultraviolet radiation. At ground level, however, ozone can be harmful to plants and animals and can cause or aggravate existing respiratory and other health problems in humans. Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants react with sunlight. When it reaches high levels, ozone is a respiratory irritant.

Ozone formation relies on warm weather conditions. Monitoring occurs during the spring and summer months, from May 1 through September 30.

Ozone Action days, are a great time to practice good habits you can use every day to improve air quality and help discourage the formation of ground-level ozone. 

2011 = 8

2010 = 5

2009 = 3

2008 = 5
 2007 = 3
 2006 = 2

2005 = 5
 2004 = 1

2003 = 10

2002 = 16

2001 = 16

2000 = 4
 1999 = 25
 1998 = 10
 1997 = 8
 1996 = 6
 1995 = 16
 1994 = 11

As Southeast Michigan develops both physically and economically, changes in the region have resulted in increased automobile travel and other emission-generating activities. Plus, the national air quality standard has become more strict.

Individually, our cars, lawn mowers, and refueling habits are not the main causes of pollution. Cumulatively, however, these activities are both responsible for ozone-forming emissions and capable of preventing such pollution.

Ground-level ozone forms when weather conditions combine with pollutants. Many of these pollutants are caused by the daily activities of individuals.

Industry is well regulated and has greatly reduced its emissions. People, however, tend to pollute much more freely. Studies show that the combined activities of individuals regularly create nearly 50 percent of the pollutants that cause ground-level ozone.

87% refrained from refueling
84% did not mowing
59% not using gas powered equipment
57% avoided topping off gas tank
47% not using barbecue grill
43% drove less

Our survey indicated that 72 percent participated in at least one of the 16 Ozone Action days during the 2002 season; 46 percent participated in all 16 Ozone Action days in 2002.

85% television
68% radio
37% newspaper
14% freeway message sign
9% friend, relative, or neighbor

Yes, 91 percent recognize the term "Ozone Action day."

A meteorology team from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) forecasts Ozone Action days according to a number of factors that include temperature, wind speed/direction, cloud cover, and ultraviolet radiation. 

At high levels, ground-level ozone is a respiratory irritant and can be especially harmful to vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations are those with existing respiratory problems, elderly, young, and those who work or exercise strenuously outside.

Ozone Action is a voluntary emissions reduction initiative that asks people to do what they can to reduce pollution on the days it counts the most. Southeast Michigan has been taking Ozone Action since 1994.