...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM CDT FRIDAY... The St. Louis Clean Air Partnership has issued an air quality alert for the St. Louis metropolitan area from 10 AM to 8 PM CDT Friday. An Orange air quality forecast means that maximum ozone and fine particulates concentrations are expected to reach levels that pose a health risk. Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates. Ground-level ozone and fine particulates is an air contaminant which can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Reducing outdoor physical activity is recommended. If it is a regularly scheduled work day you are urged to consider telecommuting, carpooling, or utilizing public transit. Avoid excessive idling and do not top off when refueling motor vehicles. The use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment should be reduced or postponed until late in the day. For more information visit the St. Louis Clean Air Partnership at http://cleanair-stlouis.com/ For current Air Quality Index (AQI) values visit https://www.airnow.gov/