Air Quality Alert Issued for Franklin and Central Ohio Counties

An air quality alert has been extended through Wednesday, July 15, for Franklin and several other central Ohio counties. This extension is due to high temperatures and light winds that are expected to carry smoke from wildfires in other regions into the area. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) issued this warning, emphasizing the need for residents to take precautions.

The alert will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 15 for Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, and Licking counties. According to MORPC, light winds will transport a thin layer of smoke from wildfires in Wisconsin and Canada into the Columbus region. Additionally, sunny skies and temperatures forecasted in the mid-90s are expected to increase ground-level ozone levels. These conditions may lead to unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

To help reduce ozone levels, residents are encouraged to carpool when possible, bike or walk, and use public transportation like the Central Ohio Transit Authority. MORPC also advises delaying fueling vehicles until after 8 p.m. and avoiding long periods of vehicle idling. If lawn mowing is necessary, it should be done during evening hours, and gas-powered equipment should be avoided if possible.

What is an Air Quality Alert?

Air quality alerts are issued when pollutant levels in the air become unsafe for outdoor activities. Particles from wildfire smoke can cause mild symptoms such as eye or throat irritation, or more severe health issues like heart and lung problems. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or respiratory conditions are particularly at risk.

How Can I Protect Myself from Poor Air Quality?

The most effective way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to stay indoors, especially when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 101, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. Here are additional steps recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outside pollutants from entering.
• Use an indoor air purifier to improve air quality.
• Run your air conditioner on recirculate mode with a high-efficiency air filter.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as vacuuming, using candles, frying foods, or operating gas appliances.
• Clean dust using a damp cloth instead of a dry one, which can stir up particles into the air.
• If you must go outside, wear an N95 mask to filter out harmful particles.

What Does the AQI Index Mean?

MORPC uses the national Air Quality Index (AQI) scale to measure ozone and particle pollution levels in central Ohio. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500. When levels exceed 100, air quality is considered unhealthy for vulnerable groups. On July 15, the AQI for the Columbus region is forecasted to reach 108.

Here is a breakdown of the AQI levels:

• 0-50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory, with little or no health risk.
• 51-100 (Moderate): Generally acceptable, but may affect those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Risk increases for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.
• 151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may experience health effects, with sensitive groups being more seriously impacted.
• 201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Emergency conditions, with a health alert for the entire population.
• 301-500 (Hazardous): Serious risk for everyone; all outdoor activity should be avoided.