Northern Nevada Public Health’s Air Quality Management Division has issued an air quality advisory for the Reno-Sparks area through the weekend, as the Air Quality Index is forecasted to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range at times for ground-level ozone.
Sensitive groups, including all children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or other lung conditions, are advised to limit outdoor exposure when the AQI reaches levels between 101 and 150 for ground-level ozone.
“Unlike the ozone in our upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants on the ground and can cause health issues,” said Joshua Restori, AQMD Supervisor. “Based on our forecasting, we are issuing an air quality advisory through the weekend and encourage sensitive groups to be aware and stay safe.”
Residents are encouraged to help reduce emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone by taking the following steps:
- Reducing or combining car trips
- Refueling gasoline cars in the evening
- Using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment in the evening
- Limiting engine idling
- Conserving energy
Sensitive groups are urged to regularly monitor AQI levels on the EPA’s AirNow.gov website.
Additional information on the effects of ground-level ozone is available on the AQMD’s website.
Updates from NNPH’s Air Quality Management Division are available by subscription.
