The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) reminds the local media that Sunday, April 1 marks the start of Air Quality Alert season as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) begins collecting ozone data. From April through October, Ohio EPA monitors ozone pollution, which can create unhealthy levels of air pollution, triggering Air Quality Alerts.

“During the summer months, warmer temperatures and longer days enhance the formation of ground-level ozone,” according to MORPC forecaster Patrick Zahn. “Although ozone is a colorless gas, it can have negative health impacts, even on days when air pollution isn’t visible. Particle pollution is a concern year-round, and will continue to be forecast in Ohio during the summer months, along with ozone.” Read more