The Albuquerque – Bernalillo County Air Quality Program is issuing a health alert due to elevated ozone levels

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – The Albuquerque – Bernalillo County Air Quality Program is issuing a health alert due to elevated ozone levels. The alert is effective up until 7 pm Wednesday, June 29. Residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to limit outdoor activity.

According to the EPA, bad ozone can form when pollutants react to sunlight. This makes the summer months a time when ozone pollution is more likely. When ozone levels are high being outside can increase risk of negative health effects such as irritated respiratory system, reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, or enflame existing conditions.

Today’s Pollen & Air Quality

City of Albuquerque offers steps that you can take during health alerts:

• Limit your time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
• Schools and senior citizen facilities may want to provide indoor activities to minimize exposure to elevated outdoor particulate levels.
• Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems in recycle/recirculation mode.
• If symptoms of heart or lung disease occur, (including shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations or unusual fatigue) contact your health care provider.
• Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their health management plan from their health care provider.
• Asthmatic individuals should follow a prescribed asthma management plan.

For more information visit Albuquerque’s Health Alert information page.