AIR QUALITY FORECAST ADVISORY—CODE ORANGE FOR OZONE
For Monday, September 9, 2019
MEMPHIS – In cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ); the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH); and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has issued a “Code Orange Air Quality Forecast Advisory” for Monday, September 9, 2019 for the Memphis Metropolitan Area. The Memphis Metropolitan Area includes Shelby County, Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; and DeSoto County, Mississippi. A “Code Orange Air Quality Forecast Advisory” indicates ozone levels are forecast to exceed the eight-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 ONLY-MATA will reduce fares to 25 cents on all modes of transit.
Health Precautions: - For Active Children and Adults
- For Persons With Respiratory Difficulties
| OZONE REDUCTION TIPS RECOMMENDED DURING “CODE ORANGE OZONE ADVISORIES” |
- Limit prolonged outdoor activities during afternoon hours
- High ozone levels can cause nose, eye,throat, and lung irritation
- High ozone levels can aggravate existing conditions and lead to increased potential for illness in this sensitive group
| Refuel cars and lawnmowers after 7:00 pm,avoid spills and do not “top off” tanks avoid spills and do not “top off” tanks Carpool or mass transit Combine errands instead of many separate trips Drive less, especially during peak hours or hot days |
Under existing Air Quality Index guidelines, ozone levels are expected to reach the classification of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. The forecast exceedance for tomorrow is expected as a result of stagnant conditions, increased temperatures, dry conditions, and decreased winds.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) (Advisory) |
101 – 150 | Active children and adults, and people with Active children and adults, and people with Active children and adults, and people with |
For more information concerning air quality, contact one of the following:
SCHD Pollution Control at (901) 222-9599 or www.shelbytnhealth.com; The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality-Planning and Air Quality Analysis Branch-Air Division at (501) 682-0767 or www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/default.htm; The Arkansas Department of Health at (501) 661-2000 or www.healthyarkansas.com/environment/environment.html. The air quality forecast for DeSoto County, MS is issued independently by MDEQ and may differ from the Memphis Metropolitan air quality forecast issued by the SCHD. For more information on the DeSoto County forecast, please visit MDEQ Air Quality Forecast or contact 601-961-5577.
