Unusual number of Smog Alerts this summer due to hot temperatures

CINCINNATI - Have you noticed that it’s been harder to breathe this summer?  As temperatures rise, the quality of our air becomes an issue. Hot temperatures and sunshine produce ozone, leading to a smog problem, especially in Cincinnati.

When strong high pressure is in control, it acts like a Tupperware lid, capping off the atmosphere, not allowing all of the pollution to mix out. In fact, it gets trapped at the surface, giving us a big smog problem.

We talked with Megan Hummel of the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency about the poor air quality that has become so common this summer. 

“We did have eight consecutive days of smog alerts earlier this summer that was based on ozone and the reason that was, was because we had some very unusual weather patterns and ozone is very much weather dependent.”

Hummel said this is very uncommon, and that we had a stable air mass in place, that really wasn’t moving.  She adds that the high heat and sunshine caused the chemicals to build in our area.

Smog consists of ozone, but also particulate matter. A Smog Alert is issued when pollution levels are expected to be quite high, reaching at least the “unhealthy range for sensitive groups”, or higher.

“For certain people, certain groups of people… it could be children, elderly adults, or particularly, people with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, may need to take extra precautions when they’re outside.”

Hummel said that the worst part of the day for the ozone development is from two to eight in the afternoon.  During these hours, it’s best to avoid outdoor activities such as biking or jogging, especially if you’re sensitive to pollution.

The good news is… we can all take part to help reduce smog in our area!  Here are some tips from the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency website :  

• Take the bus (METRO: 513-621-4455 or TANK: 859-331-8265)
• Carpool or vanpool (RideShare: 513-241-RIDE)
• Ride a bike or rollerblade instead of driving
• Avoid use of gasoline powered lawn equipment
• Keep your vehicle maintained
• Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
• Refuel your vehicle after sunset
• Do not top off when refueling
• Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains
• Save electricity
• Spread the word

While we have had a high number of days with poor air quality, as a whole, our air is cleaner than it’s been in the past.

Hummel explains, “There’s a misconception that the air keeps getting dirtier, but what we find is that the air has gotten much, much cleaner over the last few decades, but the standards set by the US EPA keep getting more strict and so you may find some exceedances or more smog alerts."

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