COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Air Quality Alert has been issued for the Columbus region by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) as smoke from the Canadian wildfires are carried into the area on the wind.

What You Need To Know

  • The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is warning that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Columbus area

  • This prompted an Air Quality Alert

  • The conditions are due to wind carrying in smoke from the Canadian wildfires, according to the MORPC

A press release from the MORPC said that Air Quality Index (AQI) will be unhealthy for sensitive groups. On a scale from 0 to 500, the AQI in the area was at 122 as of 2:23 p.m.

“Active children, the elderly, and people with asthma and COPD are more likely to suffer an increase in the number and severity of symptoms during an Air Quality Alert,” the release reads. “To decrease the potential for health issues, sensitive groups are urged to limit prolonged outdoor activity or plan outdoor activities for the morning. Those who are experiencing breathing difficulties should consult their doctor.”

The EPA has more information on health effects related to ozone pollution here, and you can sign up for Air Quality Alert notifications here.

When under an Air Quality, MORPC suggests the following to improve the air in the community:

  • Consider commuting via Gohio Commute
  • Rather than idle your vehicle, turn the engine off
  • Wait until dusk to refuel your vehicle and don’t top off your tank
  • Don’t mow your lawn or use gas-powered devices for lawncare

“When everyone pitches in, our communities breathe better air,” the release reads.

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