An Air Quality Advisory is in effect for much of Northeast Ohio through midnight Wednesday. The advisory warns of elevated ozone levels that could be harmful to sensitive groups in cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Ashtabula. Residents in affected areas should take precautions, especially during the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are expected to peak.
Ozone Levels to Reach Unhealthy Levels for Sensitive Groups
The advisory covers several counties, including Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Summit, Portage, and Ashtabula. According to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), high ozone levels could cause breathing problems for people with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults. These groups are at greater risk of experiencing issues due to the pollution.
Advice for Residents
Residents in areas like Cleveland’s east suburbs, downtown Akron, and lakeshore communities like Mentor and Geneva are urged to limit prolonged outdoor activities. This is especially important in the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are at their highest. People should avoid strenuous activities like exercise, and try to stay indoors as much as possible during peak hours.
Tips to Reduce Pollution
To help reduce the amount of ozone in the air, officials recommend taking a few steps:
- Combine errands to reduce driving.
- Avoid refilling your gas tank during daylight hours.
- Use public transit if possible.
- Postpone lawn mowing until the evening when ozone levels are lower.
Stay Informed
Residents can monitor air quality in real-time by visiting airnow.gov or signing up for text alerts at enviroflash.info. These services will help keep you updated on air quality conditions.
Possible Extension of Advisory
If the stagnant conditions continue beyond Wednesday, more alerts may be issued. It’s important for residents to stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect their health during this period of poor air quality.
