Nashville on Ozone Code Orange Air Quality Alert: Here’s What It Means

Alert Issued amid Rising Ozone Levels

Nashville is faced with an Ozone Code Orange Air Quality Alert on Thursday, June 13. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the alert, warning about increasing ozone values resulting from warm and sunny weather, limited wind, and low humidity. Such meteorological conditions create a perfect environment for the presence and reaction of pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to the creation of ground-level ozone, according to the department’s social media post.

Ground-level ozone is the principal constituent of smog, deeming it a harmful air pollutant due to its detrimental effects on people and the environment, as per information provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ozone Code Orange signifies potential health risks for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and those with asthma, while the general public is less likely to be affected.

Reducing Exposure Amidst Alert

Weather conditions for the larger Nashville area on Friday, June 14, will see ozone levels maintaining at the Orange level. People with lung disease, children, older adults, and active outdoor individuals are suggested to minimize their extended outdoor hours or intense outdoor exertion.

Understanding Air Quality Alerts

Air quality alerts communicate information about air pollution levels and act as advisories for vulnerable groups to take necessary precautions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was created by the EPA to overlook and report on air quality. Major air pollutants include ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Interpreting the Air Quality Index

The AQI runs from 0 to 500, the larger the value, the higher the degree of air pollution, and thus, the higher the health concern. Ratings at or below 100 are typically viewed as satisfactory. However, when ratings exceed 100, the air quality is considered unhealthy and risk-increasing for sensitive groups of people. As the values rise, health hazards for everyone correspondingly increase. The AQI comprises six categories: good (green), moderate (yellow), unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), unhealthy (red), very unhealthy (purple), and hazardous (maroon). Each comprising different levels of varying health concerns.

Ozone Pollution Health Impacts

The EPA cites individuals with asthma, children, older adults, and those who are frequently outdoors, especially outdoor workers, to be at the highest risk for breathing in air containing ozone. Even relatively low levels of ozone can cause health effects. Depending on the exposure level, ozone can lead to health issues such as coughing, sore or scratchy throat, difficulty in deep and painful breaths, inflamed and damaged airways, increased susceptibility of lungs to infection, aggravated lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, and increased frequency of asthma attacks.