Joplin Insider program focuses on ground level ozone

(From the City of Joplin)

In the next program of Joplin Insider, viewers will learn more about ground level ozone and the work that the Four State Clean Air Alliance (FSCAA) has conducted to help educate the public about this issue.

Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot visits with Dan Pekarek, Director of the Health Department and Chairman of the FSCAA, to learn more about this issue. March through November is Ozone Season, when ground-level ozone becomes a concern as the temperature heats up and the humidity increases here in the Four States. Even though we can’t see low levels of ozone forming in the air, the FSCAA wants to keep you breathing easy.

Ground Level Ozone is an air pollutant formed by chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and sunlight. It generally forms on hot summer days, and is one of the six principle pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act. NOx emissions are largely products of combustion. From small fires and the smallest lawn mower engine to the largest commercial boiler, they all produce NOx. VOC’s are again caused by combustion, but are also commonly associated with chemical use.

Pekarek shares simple tips that everyone can do to help reduce ground level ozone. Several public service announcements are also part of the show. Simple measures, such as unplugging unused electronics, turning up your thermostat slightly during summer, and stopping when hearing the “click” at the gas pump all help reduce the amount of ozone impacting our environment. Also, maintenance of vehicles, gas-powered mowers and yard equipment not only makes them operate more efficiently, but it also decreases the conditions that contribute to ground level ozone.

“Joplin Insider” is an interview program airing on KGCS-TV. Joplin Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot hosts the half-hour program that is produced through the facilities of KGCS-TV. It may be seen at various times in upcoming weeks. Initial airdates include:

Sun. May 6 – 6:00 p.m.

Tue. May 8 – 7:00 p.m.

Wed. May 9 – 6:00 p.m.

Thur. May 10 – 9:00 p.m.

The program will also continue to air in upcoming weeks. The interview can also be found on Missouri Southern’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/2pcCuhCbRyU .

KGCS-TV operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University. Programming may be seen over the air on digital channel 22, as well as regional cable television systems including Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.

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