Smog Alert causes problems for swimmers with respiratory issues

CINCINNATI - When there’s a Smog Alert in effect, the elderly and children feel it the most.  We went out to the FT. Thomas Swim Club to find out how the poor air quality is affecting those with respiratory issues.

One of the club’s members, Jenny Kruse, pays attention to the air quality alerts on the news and takes precautions to protect her family. 

Jenny said, "Two of my three children do have asthma, so I ask them, I make sure their breathing is OK, and keep the inhaler close at hand, just in case, but we really haven't had any issues this summer."

Even if things seem OK, breathing problems can sneak up on children who've been swimming for extended periods of time. Kruse's son, Carter, can feel a difference on these high smog days.

Carter explains, "I like to go under water with my goggles and I can't, I usually go under there for a long time, but I can't really do that much, because it's hard for me to breathe, a little bit."

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency says that during a Smog Alert, those with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activities, such as swimming. 

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