The Environmental Protection Agency in Evansville and the Vanderburgh County Health Department has issued a Code Orange Ozone Alert until 8:00 p.m. CDT Thursday. An Ozone Alert means that a combination of high temperatures, light winds and other factors are expected to produce conditions where high levels of ozone emissions may exceed federally mandated standards.
Officials say members of sensitive groups may be affected by exposure to the higher levels of ozone, which can cause lung and throat irritation, shortness of breath, increase the frequency of asthma attacks and aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Children, active adults and individuals with respiratory diseases should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when levels are the highest. If you have a respiratory illness, officials say you should remain indoors with air conditioning, if possible.