The Imperial County APCD has issued an air quality alert for the Imperial Valley due to high levels of ozone (smog). The air quality alert is in effect Saturday, June 15, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Elevated levels of ozone - the predominant summertime pollutant - are likely to result in poor air quality in the afternoon and early- evening hours. Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Air quality can change depending on time of day and weather conditions. Increased emissions of chemicals and faster ozone formation rates due to heat, along with low winds and stagnant weather can cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution. To help minimize ozone air pollution levels: * Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours * Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature * Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening Check air quality levels and take appropriate action as needed. When air quality index (AQI) levels are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange), people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, children, and older adults should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. When air quality reaches Unhealthy (red) AQI levels, everyone may experience adverse health effects and sensitive groups should avoid prolonged time outdoors. At Very Unhealthy (purple) AQI levels, sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity and everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. To view current and forecast air quality within Imperial County visit the Imperial County Air Quality website at http://www.imperialvalleyair.org/ or follow ICAPCD on Twitter, facebook or Instagram (@county_air).
