The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has just issued a Code Orange Ozone Air Alert for South Carolina. The alert will remain in effect from 10 am to 8 pm today, Monday, June 2nd.
Officials expect ground-level ozone concentrations to reach levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung conditions.
Higher-than-expected ozone readings over the weekend and smoke from Canadian wildfires have further worsened the air quality. Other parts of the state are forecasted to reach Code Yellow levels, indicating moderate air pollution.
It’s recommended that sensitive individuals limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak afternoon and early evening hours. Residents are also encouraged to help reduce pollution by walking, biking, limiting engine idling, and conserving energy.
Code Orange alerts signify that air quality could pose a risk to vulnerable populations and call for voluntary efforts to reduce emissions.
You can find out more info at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or https://www.airnow.gov.
