Wednesday morning, people in Greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and parts of southeast Indiana woke up to an Air Quality Advisory because ozone levels were getting too high to be healthy. Officials say that people who are more likely to get sick, like kids, older adults, and people with breathing problems, should stay inside until the warning ends at midnight.
As per the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, the warning covers the Indiana counties of Dearborn, Boone, Campbell, and Kenton, as well as the Ohio counties of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren. Nearly two million people from Lawrenceburg and Florence to Downtown Cincinnati and Mason are worried that the amount of ozone in these places may be close to or higher than federal health standards.
On “Alert” days, people are asked to cut down on pollution by sharing, taking the bus, or waiting to mow their lawns until after dark. Do not refuel your car before 8 p.m., and never leave your car running, as the exhaust directly raises ozone pollution. Schools and daycares in the affected counties have been told to limit outdoor activities for kids. At the same time, hospitals in the area are getting ready for a possible rise in asthma and other lung complaints.
In July, this is the third air quality alert in the area. This has happened three times now, the last time being in the summer of 2022. People who live near big highways like I-71 and I-75 are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy ozone. This is especially true in urban areas like Covington, Newport, and Hamilton.
The advisory is still in place until midnight, and more warnings could be sent out if ozone levels stay high. For the most up-to-date information, check the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency or local news sources.
