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Poor air quality expected June 22

Second day of summer expected to bring high heat, ozone
June 22, 2017

State officials are warning sunny skies and high temperatures will allow air pollutants to accumulate throughout the state Thursday, June 22.

A code orange air quality action day was announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as forecasts show temperatures should reach 90 degrees.

Moderate ozone levels can be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as young children, the elderly or people with heart or respiratory conditions. Officials advise people in those groups limit outdoor activities as calm winds and above-average temperatures create weather conditions that promote ozone formation.

Ozone is a colorless gas that is the main component of smog. It is formed from a chemical reaction in the lower atmosphere on hot, sunny days with little wind. Ozone can damage lung tissue and aggravate respiratory problems.

The National Weather Service shows temperatures are expected to reach 92 degrees in Georgetown June 22. Rain forecast on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, is expected to cool the area, with temperatures around 88 degrees.

For more about air quality alerts, go to dnrec.delaware.gov/AQI/Pages/AQIForecast.aspx or call the Division of Air Quality at 302-739-9402.

For health-related questions, call the Division of Public Health at 302-739-6619.

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