Orange ozone alert issued for Kansas City area Monday amid days-long heat wave
An air quality alert was issued Monday, with ozone levels expected to be elevated across the Kansas City metro area amid a days-long heat wave.
The Mid-America Regional Council an orange ozone alert, indicating an unhealthy amount of ground-level ozone in the atmosphere. This is the 13th ozone alert MARC officials have issued this season.
High temperatures, low cloud cover and low wind speeds over the next few days will make it difficult to disperse air pollution.
“This will cause the air around the region to stagnate and allow accumulated pollution to remain overnight,” said Doug Norsby, MARC senior environmental planner, in a news release. “Under these conditions, ozone levels just keep building day after day without a chance to clear.”
Ozone pollution is formed when emissions from vehicles, lawn and garden equipment and other sources react with sunlight and heat.
People who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and people with heart and breathing problems, should limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Ozone pollution can cause chest pains, coughing nausea, throat irritation and difficulty breathing. Everyone should try to plan outdoor activities either before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Residents should also help reduce emissions by postponing activities like mowing lawns and wait until the evening hours to refuel vehicles. If possible, consider riding a bike or driving to work or other activities, but avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor air.
This story was originally published August 21, 2023 at 8:43 AM.
