he City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Resource Management Department issued an air quality warning today, saying that high levels of ozone and particulate matter are again present and vulnerable individuals should exercise caution.  Data collected by the department’s Air Quality Monitoring Section indicates current ozone and particulate matter levels are significantly elevated.

The elevated level of particulate matter (solid or liquid particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter or “fine particles”) in Jacksonville’s atmosphere is a direct result of the extensive wildfires currently occurring in southeast Georgia and a local fire in the Glenn Kernan area yesterday. Extended exposure to a high level of these pollutants can pose health risks to children, the elderly and people with preexisting health conditions. 

People with asthma or other respiratory diseases that may be more vulnerable to the effects of ozone will generally experience health effects earlier and at lower ozone levels than less sensitive individuals.

Steps to avoid unhealthy exposure include: staying inside and refraining from strenuous activity when outdoors.  If exercising outdoors, substituting less vigorous exercise (a walk instead of a jog, for example) can be helpful.  In addition, outdoor activities should be planned for times when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning or evening.