Poor air quality can affect people of all ages, especially those sensitive to air pollution, including people with asthma or heart conditions, people who work and exercise outdoors, and older adults and children. The truth is that almost every day, each of us contributes a little to air pollution even though we don’t always realize it. Since May is Clean Air Month, here are a few tips from Spokane Clean Air to help get you started to do your part:

Update gas cans made before 2009 - Replace an old one with a new one and you'll prevent FOUR pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — a problem pollutant that contributes to Spokane's summer ozone (smog) pollution.

Use low-VOC or no-VOC paints - One gallon saves the air from 2.46 pounds of VOCs.

Replace old yard equipment - Upgrade to a new, lower-emissions models, including electric-powered lawnmowers and push mowers can help. Each piece of old equipment that is replaced protects the air from 3.1 pounds of VOCs.

Heat with wood? Upgrade your device and prep your firewood a year in advance. If you live in the populated area of Spokane County and heat regularly with a 1995 or older wood stove or fireplace insert, you might qualify for instant savings off a new device. Program details.

Leave the SOV home once a week - Join a carpool or vanpool, ride a bike, or take a Spokane Transit bus (you’ll save money, too). For help leaving your SOV (single-occupant vehicle) visit www.mycommute.org.

Keep your car maintained. Just replacing a clogged air filter can lead to a savings of 55 gallons, or at least three trips to the gas station over a year.

Fill your gas tank during cooler evening hours in warm weather. Avoid spilling gas, don't "top off" the tank and replace your gas tank cap tightly.

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