PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla — All of Pinellas County is currently under an air pollution advisory after elevated levels of ozone were detected, county leaders said Tuesday.
In a release, the Pinellas County Air Quality section of Public Works issued the advisory after noting high-moderate ozone levels. Ozone is a pollutant that protects Earth from harmful UV radiation when its in the upper atmosphere but is harmful to humans if it is present in the air we breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The advisory is expected to last through Wednesday, April 17. On Monday, Hillsborough County issued a similar precaution for residents; it is also set to expire on Wednesday.
Pinellas County leaders say the area is seeing Air Quality Index (AQI) values from 51-100, but say there's potential for ozone levels to increase and become unhealthy for sensitive groups. That will happen if the AQI values reach 101-150.
People who are sensitive to ozone or have lung disease such as asthma, as well as older adults, children and teens, and those who are active outdoors will be most affected by the poor air quality. County leaders urge those groups of people to consider reducing any prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Officials say the polluted air is due to a stable air mass coupled with light winds, sunny skies, moderate temperatures, dry air and a high-pressure system in the region.
If the forecast changes, the advisory could be lifted early, leaders say. However, 10 Tampa Bay Chief Meteorologist Bobby Deskins says not much change is expected over the next few days.
You can always find current air quality information at airnow.gov.