HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — While it may be tempting to enjoy the sunshine, Hillsborough County residents with respiratory issues may want to stay inside for the rest of the day.
The county has issued an air pollution precaution, citing elevated levels of 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.
According to the EPA, exposure to ozone can cause:
- Coughing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Difficulty or pain when taking a deep breath
- Inflamed or damaged airways
The agency says it can also make lungs more susceptible to infection or aggravate lung diseases like asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Hillsborough County's notice is just a precautionary statement and is in effect until midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
For now, this means that potentially sensitive people like the elderly, children and those with lung diseases like asthma should consider reducing their time outside and avoiding heavy exertion on Tuesday.
Environmental officials say there is still a potential for the ozone "to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups."
