Columbus is under an air quality alert. Here's what that means

Jack Nimesheim, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
Feb 12, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Sunshine illuminates the Main St. bridge and the downtown Columbus Skyline on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 12, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Sunshine illuminates the Main St. bridge and the downtown Columbus Skyline on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth-The Columbus Dispatch

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) issued an air quality alert for ozone pollution in central Ohio that is in effect until 9 p.m. Friday.

Here's everything you need to know about the alert.

Why was the alert issued?

From March through October, MORPC monitors a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) measure called Air Quality Index for ground-level ozone. The index gauges ground-level ozone levels.

On most days, the Air Quality Index falls in a range which indicates that the air is safe for almost all people. However, on some hot days with low winds, ozone concentrations rise to quantities which are deemed unhealthy for some groups of people. Today, concentrations are expected to reach these higher quantities. Therefore, MORPC has alerted people that the air is not safe for sensitive groups today.

More information about MORPC's air quality tracking efforts can be found here.

More: Columbus doesn't have to be the fastest growing urban heat island. | Tim Ahrens

What are sensitive groups?

According to MORPC, sensitive groups include:

  • Elderly people

  • Children and teens

  • People with lung disease

  • Those who are active outdoors

  • Some people may also be more genetically sensitive to ozone

What should I do if I'm part of a sensitive group?

MORPC says people in sensitive groups should:

  • Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion

  • Do less intense activities and take more breaks

  • Watch for coughing or shortness of breath

  • Schedule outdoor activities in the morning, when ozone levels are lower

People with asthma are also advised to follow their asthma action plans and keep their medication on them.

How can I help reduce ozone formation?

In a press release about MORPC's alert, the National Weather Service outlined tips for those looking to help combat high ozone levels:

  • Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk 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. Exhaust contributes to the formation of ozone pollution.

  • Avoid use of gas-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days.

Those interested can sign up for air quality alerts from MORPC here.

JNimesheim@dispatch.com

@JackNimesheim

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about the MORPC air quality alert for Friday, June 2