COLUMBUS — The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is issuing an Air Quality Alert for Friday. The region — Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Madison and Licking counties — will experience particle pollution levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups on the national Air Quality Index scale.
Friday’s AQI is forecasted to be 108. Unlike ozone pollution, particle pollution can reach unhealthy levels anytime during the year (ozone pollution forms only when the right conditions exist, including warm temperatures and sunlight).
People with asthma and heart disease are more likely to suffer an increase in the number and severity of symptoms during an Air Quality Alert. To decrease the potential for health implications, sensitive groups of people are urged to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. People who are experiencing breathing difficulties should consult with their doctor. More information on the health effects of particle pollutions are available at: www.publichealth.columbus.gov and www.franklincountyohio.gov/health/airpollution.htm.
Particle pollution is a mixture of solids and liquid droplets that vary in size. The smaller the particles, the more hazardous they can be to one’s health because they are more easily inhaled. Sources of particle pollution include motor vehicle exhaust, construction activity, power plants, industrial facilities and wood-burning fires.
