Heat Wave Brings Higher Ozone Levels To Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — High temperatures and poor air quality are expected to continue through Friday across Riverside County.

Levels of ground-level ozone (smog) — the predominant summertime pollutant — are reaching the "Unhealthy" or higher Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in some parts of the Inland Empire, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

A heat wave has settled across Southern California, prompting a National Weather Service heat advisory for the region. Elevated temperatures, which enhance ozone formation rates, coupled with "predicted atmospheric inversions" that trap pollution near the ground may cause "unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution," according to the SCAQMD.

When air quality is "Unhealthy" and reaches an air quality index (AQI) range of 151 to 200, everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and residents with higher sensitivity to air pollution may experience more serious effects. When air quality is "Very Unhealthy" with an AQI range of 201 to 300, everyone in the region may experience more serious health effects, according to the SCAQMD.

In the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass Area, Lake Elsinore, Corona, Norco, Perris Valley, Hemet, San Jacinto, and Big Bear, air quality on Wednesday has been "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" and the same is forecast Thursday.

According to the agency, the following groups living in those areas should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion: people with heart disease, pregnant women, children and older adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma.

On Wednesday, air quality in the Riverside metro area has been "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," but is forecast to get worse on Thursday, dropping to the "Unhealthy" level.

Temecula Valley conditions were "Moderate" on Wednesday and the same is predicted for Thursday.

Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Research also indicates that ozone exposure can increase the risk of premature death. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD may be more sensitive to the health effects of ozone, according to the SCAQMD.

This article originally appeared on the Palm Desert Patch