Air Quality Alert Issued for Kansas City Area. Here’s What an Amber Alert Means

An orange ozone alert has been issued for the Kansas City area as poor air quality is expected in the metropolis Monday, according to the Mid-America Regional Council.

Warning indicates harmful level of tropospheric ozone is expected in the Kansas City area.

“In my 15 years with MARC, this is the first time I can recall issuing our first ozone alert this late in the season,” said Doug Norsby, senior air quality planner at the agency, commonly known as MARC. “We appreciate everyone taking action to protect their health and the environment.”

MARC said the outdoor air quality index value is expected to exceed 100 on Monday, with ozone being the main pollutant.

Pollution forms when emissions from vehicles, lawn equipment and other sources react with heat and sunlight. Hot, sunny weather, low winds and a lack of rain increase the risk of poor air quality, according to the agency.

At this level, ozone pollution or smog is expected to reach levels harmful to people sensitive to pollution.

Ozone pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including chest pain, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, nausea, and throat irritation. While people with health conditions are more susceptible to air pollution, healthy adults can also be affected.

People who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions, should limit their outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., according to MARC. Everyone should consider planning outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

To reduce air pollution, people should postpone mowing their lawns and wait until the evening to fill up their tanks. People living close to work should also consider walking or biking, according to MARC.