Air Pollution Levels Expected to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
[COLUMBUS, OH, July 5, 2025] – The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is issuing an Air Quality Alert for today, Saturday, July 5 in the Columbus region. Yesterday, thin regional smoke from Canadian wildfires and emissions from holiday fireworks kept particle concentrations elevated. In addition, partly sunny skies, and high temperatures in the low-90s will support ozone formation, while light winds throughout the day will lead to pollutant build-up. Therefore, AQI levels will be high-moderate.
MORPC uses the national AQI scale to inform the public about daily ozone and particle pollution levels in Central Ohio. The AQI scale runs from 0-500 – the higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When levels reach above 100, air quality is considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, and MORPC issues an Air Quality Alert to the public.
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. 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. More information on the health effects of ozone pollution is available from the U.S. EPA at AirNow.
The public can receive free Air Quality Alert notifications directly by email or sign up by visiting www.morpc.org/airquality.
On Air Quality Alert days, MORPC recommends taking actions to improve air quality. Most of the ozone pollution created in Central Ohio comes from cars and trucks. Information about transportation options can be found online at https://morpc.gohio.com/ or contact MORPC at 1.888.742.RIDE (7433) for more information. When everyone pitches in, our communities breathe better air.
- Explore your commute options with Gohio Commute: https://morpc.gohio.com/.
- Turn off your engine instead of idling your vehicle to cut down on vehicle emissions.
- Avoid refueling your vehicle or wait until dusk to refuel your vehicle. Filling up your tank when the daytime heat has diminished helps to reduce harmful ground-level ozone pollution.
- Avoid topping off your tank at the gas station. Spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates.
- Avoid mowing your lawn or using other gas-powered lawn equipment on an Air Quality Alert Day. Longer grass in your yard is good for the air and water quality.
Visit http://morpc.org/airquality for more information about MORPC’s Air Quality Program.
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The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is Central Ohio’s voice. As a Regional Council with nearly 90 local governments and community partners, we provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources and long-range planning. Together, we drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region. Learn more at www.morpc.org.
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