EPA’s tips for a happy and healthy summer

WASHINGTON—Planning fun summer activities, such as beach trips, hiking, and gardening? Follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helpful tips — good for your health, your wallet, and your environment.

AIR QUALITY: People with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of pollutants in the air and should closely monitor the air quality in their area. AirNow’s Air Quality Index translates data into color categories so people can better understand what actions to take to protect their health. For more information and a real-time map: http://www.airnow.gov/. You can download the AQI via mobile application for your smartphone: http://m.epa.gov/apps/airnow.html

BEACH SAFETY: When you spend time at the beach this summer, stay safe with these best practices. Swim safely, protect yourself from the sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen, stay hydrated by drinking water, watch for trash and other signs of pollution, and report dangers you see to lifeguards or other beach workers. For more information: http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/dosdonts.cfm

INSECTS: While some insect bites are benign, biting insects can carry dangerous diseases. Using the right insect repellent and taking preventive actions can repel ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects. Guidelines for areas to avoid bites and clothing to wear, can be found here: http://epa.gov/pesticides/insect/preventive_actions.htm Additional resources are available at http://epa.gov/pesticides/insect/safe.htm

PEST CONTROL: Pest control in the garden often refers to the use of chemical pesticides. To ensure public safety, EPA offers a “Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety” as well as tailored guides on protecting your garden, children, and household. These guides offer advice on pesticide selection for health and pollinator protection and best-alternative environmentally friendly practices. Additional resources: http://www2.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/lawn-and-garden#safely and http://www2.epa.gov/pollinator-protection

SUNWISE: Check the Ultraviolet Index anytime by downloading EPA’s app (epa.gov/enviro/mobile) to plan outdoor activities while preventing overexposure to the sun. Apply a palm-full of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Seek shade between 10am and 4pm. To learn more: http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/action-steps-sun-safety.