Both counties issued the advisory effective Friday afternoon, citing that pollution could reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An air pollution precaution is in place for Pinellas and Sarasota counties due to elevated levels of ozone.
Both counties issued the advisory effective Friday afternoon, citing that pollution could reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, such as people with respiratory ailments and asthma, older adults and children. Those who are most vulnerable are recommended to limit their outdoor activities.
“The weather conditions, including sunshine, high temperatures and low relative humidity, resulted in the formation of ozone concentrations corresponding to a slightly higher index than the typical “good” range,” Sarasota County officials wrote.
The advisory is in effect for Sarasota County until midnight Friday, and the general public is not likely to be affected.
Meanwhile, Pinellas County officials say the alert will remain in effect throughout the day, and Saturday will likely have a moderate air quality index, although air pollution concentration is not expected to be as high.
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What is Ozone?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is an odorless, colorless gas that is both natural and man-made, depending on where it’s found in the atmosphere.
It’s formed when pollutants emitted by cars and industrial sources react in the presence of sunlight, which is why ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot, sunny days.
Exposure to ozone can cause:
CoughingSore or scratchy throatDifficulty or pain when taking a deep breathInflamed or damaged airways
The EPA says it can also make lungs more susceptible to infection or aggravate lung diseases like asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.