MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) issued a Code Orange Air Quality Advisory Monday, May 29 due high ozone levels that are "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
SCHD said wildfires in Canada and local emissions are affecting air quality in Memphis and surrounding states like Arkansas and Mississippi, causing an increase in warm temperatures, dry conditions and decreased winds.
According to SCHD, high ozone levels can cause throat, nose, eye, and lung irritation and illness. Children and adults who have upper respiratory issues are considered at risk, SCHD said.
Arkansas Department of Environmental Health (ADEQ) and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) also issued code orange advisories in response to the decrease in air quality.
To decrease the chances of getting sick, children and adults who experience upper respiratory issues should limit their outdoor activities, spending less time outside time, SCHD said.
Adults can drive less and combine their errands instead of making multiple trips, SCHD said.
SCHD also suggested that adults who upper respiratory issues should wait until after 7 p.m. to put gas in their cars, do yard work and to mow their lawns.
MATA will also reduce all rides to 25-cents for Monday only in response to the changes in air quality.
Anyone who wants want more information about air quality can call SCHD Pollution Control at (901) 222-9599 or visit SCHD's website.
People living in Arkansas can contact The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment-Planning and Air Quality Analysis Branch-Air Division at (501) 682-0070 or visit the website. Arkansas residents can also call The Arkansas Department of Health at (501) 661-2000 or visit the health department website.
The air quality forecast for DeSoto County, MS independently issued by MDEQ and differs 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 call 601-961-5577.