Alert
Air Quality Alert: Unhealthy for Some
September 3, 2008

Sensitive groups: 

Air-quality alerts are issued because ozone or particulate levels are high enough to be harmful to these groups (called sensitive groups):

• people with asthma emphysema, chronic heart and other respiratory conditions
• children who play outside for longer periods of time
• active adults doing strenuous activities

Health effects include:

• throat irritation
• coughing
• rapid, shallow breathing

People with asthma are likely to suffer more symptoms that are more severe.

During such alerts, health officials at Columbus Public Health advise people with chronic respiratory conditions to limit the amount of time they are outside and to plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening when ozone or particulate levels are lower. People who are having trouble breathing should seek medical attention.

View the Air Quality Forecast

To view the current and up-to-date air quality forecast, visit the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s website at http://airquality.morpc.org/.

More information: 
Air quality, ozone, and particulates and your health.