From MORPC:
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is issuing an Air Quality Alert for Thursday, June 30. The region – Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking counties – is likely to experience ground-level ozone pollution levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on the national Air Quality Index (AQI) scale. Thursday’s AQI is forecasted to be 101. This is the fourth Air Quality Alert issued for the region during the month of June.
The upper-level ridge of high pressure will remain over the region, reducing atmospheric mixing and pushing surface temperatures into the low-90s. These conditions will enhance ground-level ozone formation. Furthermore, light south-southwesterly winds will reduce dispersion and gradually bring additional pollutants into the area. As a result, AQI levels will be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
MORPC uses the national AQI scale to inform the public about daily ozone and particle pollution levels in Central Ohio. The AQI scale runs from 0-500 – the higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When levels reach above 100, air quality is considered to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and MORPC issues an Air Quality Alert to the public.
Active children, the elderly, and people with asthma and COPD are more likely to suffer an increase in the number and severity of symptoms during an Air Quality Alert. To decrease the potential for health issues, sensitive groups of people are urged to limit prolonged outdoor activity or plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening. Those who are experiencing breathing difficulties should consult with their doctor. More information on the health effects of ozone pollution is available from U.S. EPA AirNow and Columbus Public Health.
The public can receive free Air Quality Alert notifications directly by email. They can sign up by visiting morpc.org/airquality
On Air Quality Alert days, MORPC recommends taking actions to improve air quality. The majority of ozone pollution created in Central Ohio comes from cars and trucks. MORPC encourages carpooling, riding the bus, and bicycling or walking. Information about transportation options can be found online at morpc.gohio.com or contact MORPC at 1.888.742.RIDE (7433) for more information. When everyone pitches in, our communities breathe better air.
Explore your commute options with Gohio Commute: morpc.gohio.com/
Turn off your engine instead of idling your vehicle to cut down on vehicle emissions.
Avoid refueling your vehicle or wait until dusk to refuel your vehicle. Filling up your tank when the daytime heat has diminished helps to reduce harmful ground-level ozone pollution.
Avoid topping off your tank at the gas station. Spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates.
Avoid mowing your lawn or using other gas-powered lawn equipment on an Air Quality Alert day. Longer grass in your yard is good for the air, as well as water quality.
Visit morpc.org/airquality for more information about MORPC’s Air Quality Program. Call MORPC’s toll-free hotline for the latest air quality forecast at 1-888-666-1009. English and Spanish options are available.
