Air Quality Advisory Issued

Thinking of taking a lunchtime run? You might want to think about waiting until the evening today. Same goes Friday.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for much of Northeast Ohio, cautioning people who are sensitive to air quality to reduce activity Thursday. That advisory has been extended to Friday as well. 

As of 10 a.m., air quality was found to be in the range of "good" to "moderate," but was expected to move into an "unhealthy for sensitive groups" rating this afternoon. 

In an "unhealthy for sensitive groups" rating, the Air Quality Index is 101 - 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this Air Quality Index range, people with lung disease (including asthma), older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, and people with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air. 

The EPA recommends that sensitive people reschedule strenuous activities for times when air quality is expected to be better. 

The EPA asks residents, businesses and local governments to voluntarily reduce activities that contribute to ozone air pollution. Reducing or eliminating unnecessary motor vehicle trips, carpooling or using public transportation can help reduce pollution. The EPA recommends refueling vehicles and mowing grass after 7 p.m. 

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency recommends no open burning, especially during periods of air quality concern.

Air Quality forecasts are provided by State and local agencies, using EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI), a uniform index that provides general information to the public about air quality and associated health effects. The AQI is an index for reporting  daily air quality. 

The EPA calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.