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It might be a good time for drivers in Indiana to stay home because they’re being told to avoid gas stations. Canadian wildfires are out of control and the particles from gas and diesel could make things much worse. 

1 million Indiana drivers need to avoid gas stations 

Indiana is known for being the birthplace of racing, but drivers need to stay home right now. Wildfires in Canada are to blame as residents are urged to avoid gas stations. 

According to Newsweek, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has extended an Air Quality Action Day through Saturday. Fine particulate levels in the air are at unhealthy levels in northeastern and northwestern regions. 

EPA reports show that Volatile Organic Companies (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate into the air from gas and diesel pumps. Plus, vehicle exhaust, paints, and industrial processes add to the mic. 

While refueling trucks, cars, and SUVs, VOCs escape and add to pollution, even with vapor recovery systems in place. As they react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in sunlight, they form ground-level ozone or smog. 

This may exacerbate asthma, trigger respiratory symptoms, and harm individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. 

Reducing vehicle emissions may help reduce ozone formation during air quality alerts and action days. Residents are encouraged to limit grieving and to avoid getting fuel during the day. Additionally, consider postponing the use of gas-powered equipment. 

The cities most impacted by air quality include Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac, and surrounding areas. 

Consider using a bike or carpooling, completing your errands in one trip, avoiding drive-troughs, not using gas-powered equipment until after 7 PM, turning off your engine to avoid idling over 30 seconds, and conserving energy.