Air quality unhealthy today

The Air Quality Forecast for the Knoxville-Great Smoky Mountain region shows soaring ozone and particulate matter for today. The forecast calls for ozone levels to be particularly high reaching levels that could be harmful for unhealthy persons and young children. A health message listed on the AIRNow government Web site states: “Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.” According to AIRNow, ozone can irritate lung airways and cause inflammation much like a sunburn. Other symptoms include wheezing, coughing, pain when taking a deep breath, and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities. People with respiratory problems are most vulnerable, but even healthy people who are active outdoors can be affected when ozone levels are high. AIRNow warns against repeated exposure to ozone pollution for several months, which may cause permanent lung damage. Anyone who spends time outdoors in the summer is at risk, particularly children and other people who are active outdoors. Even at very low levels, ground-level ozone triggers a variety of health problems including aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. On Ozone Action Days as such, Knox-area Transit’s city buses offer free rides all day to encourage ridership, thereby decreasing the number of cars on the road and reducing pollutants.