Air quality alert issued Tuesday for Franklin County, three other central Ohio counties

Cole Behrens, The Columbus Dispatch
·1 min read
The Columbus skyline in a smog-filled haze.
The Columbus skyline in a smog-filled haze.

Four central Ohio counties, including Franklin County, are under an air quality alert  until 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has issued an Air Quality Alert for ozone pollution for Franklin, Delaware, Licking and Fairfield counties, according to the NWS. Levels of ozone in the `unhealthy for sensitive groups` range are expected on the air quality index, the NWS says.

Sensitive groups, including children, elderly or people with asthma or COPD,  should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, the NWS advises.

The NWS encourages residents to take steps to improve air quality, including:

  • Taking the bus, carpooling, biking or walking instead of driving alone.

  • Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap.

  • Do not idle your vehicle because exhaust contributes to the formation of ozone pollution.

  • Avoid use of gas-powered lawn equipment on days with an alert

For additional information, please visit the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's website at morpc.org/airquality

Cole Behrens is a reporter at The Columbus Dispatch covering public safety and breaking news. You can reach him at CBehrens@dispatch.com or find him on Twitter at @Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Franklin and three other central Ohio counties under air quality alert