State officials say air quality in central Arkansas may be unhealthy for some people

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas state officials are warning that the air quality in the central part of the state may be unhealthy for some residents.

For the first time this year, officials with Arkansas Energy & Environment declared an Ozone Action Advisory for Thursday for central Arkansas.

According to the Division of Environmental Quality’s forecast, outdoor activities may be unhealthy for active children, adults and people in sensitive groups.

Residents with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis are vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities, state officials said. Officials are encouraging these individuals to reduce health-risks associated with ozone exposure.

State officials are also encouraging public agencies, private business, and the public to take voluntary actions to reduce ground-level ozone formation.

Below are a few code orange tips and precautions:

Refuel cars and lawnmowers after 7:00 pm, avoid fuel spills, and do not “top off” tanks
Carpool or use mass transit
Combine errands instead of separate vehicle trips
Do not drive unnecessarily, especially during peak commuting hours or during the hottest part of the day

To stay up to date on the daily ozone forecasts for Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s website.

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