...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM CDT THURSDAY... The Mid-America Regional Council has issued a code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Kansas City metropolitan area, with ground level ozone being the primary pollutant from 7 AM to 10 PM CDT Thursday. Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation. These activities include refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling idling vehicles unnecessarily and using gasoline powered lawn equipment. Positive activities include car pooling, biking to work, delaying or combining errands, and using water-based paints and cleaners. When pollution levels are elevated, the Mid-America Regional Council recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. For further information, please see the Mid-America Regional Council air quality program website at http://www.airqkc.org.
