Air quality alert issued for the Kansas City area, the 10th smog warning for the season
An orange ozone alert was issued for the Kansas City area as the metro’s air quality continues to be the worst it’s been recent years, according to the Mid-America Regional Council.
The agency, commonly known as MARC, issued an air quality alert for the 10th time this season, saying the area’s outdoor Air Quality Index is expected to exceed 100 with ozone being the primary pollutant.
With an index at that level, an unhealthy level of ground-level ozone, also known as ozone pollution or smog, is expected for people sensitive to pollution, according to MARC.
The number of ozone alerts so far this year is the most since 2018, when 10 alerts were issued. This is unusual for this early in the summer. This year’s weather is creating ideal conditions for local smog and the smog-friendly weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the summer.
Ozone pollution is formed when exhaust from vehicles, lawn and garden equipment and other sources react in heat and sunlight. Warm, sunny weather as well as low wind speeds and lack of rain increase the likelihood of poor air quality, according to MARC.
People with health problems might be affected more by the pollution, which can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.
On ozone alert days, people and businesses are urged to avoid activities that create more ozone, including refueling vehicles and mowing lawns. Active children and adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, according to MARC.
This story was originally published June 28, 2023 at 8:44 AM.
