As smoke from Canadian wildfires keep blowing south, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has issued an air quality alert for July 20 – the agency’s fifth alert in seven days.
The MORPC air quality alert covers Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield and Licking counties and will remain in effect throughout July 20. Air quality is expected to reach the “unhealthy” range for sensitive groups, such as children, older adults, and people with respiratory issues, according to MORPC.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) levels for ozone are expected to reach 101. The AQI scale runs from 0-500 – the higher the AQI number, the greater the health concern. When levels reach above 100, air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to MORPC’s alert.
Wildfire smoke will recirculate into central Ohio with light southwesterly winds, according to the July 20 forecast. The smoke, combined with partly sunny skies and temperatures above 80 degrees will help to enhance the formation of ozone and raise the AQI.
Sensitive groups are urged to limit prolonged outdoor activity or plan outdoor activities for the morning. Those who experience breathing difficulties should consult their doctor, MORPC says.
MORPC issued several air quality alerts since July 14 due to smoke from Canadian wildfires being blown into the Columbus region. Last week the smoke resulted in the worst air quality index in the Columbus area since MORPC began keeping records in 1999.
People can help reduce ozone by carpooling when possible, biking or walking, and using bus service like the Central Ohio Transit Authority where available. MORPC also recommends waiting until after 8 p.m. to put fuel in your vehicle and not idling your vehicle for long periods of time.
If you are mowing your lawn, mow it in the evening hours and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment if possible, MORPC recommends.
What is an air quality alert?
Air quality alerts are issued when elevated levels of pollutants in the air make it unsafe to be outside.
Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the National Weather Service. Wildfire smoke particles are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.
What the AQI Index means
MORPC uses the national AQI scale to measure ozone and particle pollution levels in central Ohio. The AQI scale runs from 0-500.
Here are the levels of air quality using the AQI scale:
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: It’s back! Another air quality alert issued for region for July 20
Reporting by Maria DeVito, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Maria DeVito, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
