Air quality warning “Code Orange” issued for the Memphis metropolitan area

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Shelby County Health Department has issued a Code Orange air quality alert for Saturday, June 15. Air Quality Index guidelines state that the air could cause respiratory problems for some people.

The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), and Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) all state that certain sensitive groups are at higher health risk due to outdoor air.

Health authorities recommend that people who are particularly sensitive to air pollution limit their outdoor activities.

The sensitive group includes people with lung or heart disease, the elderly, children with developing lungs and people who spend a lot of time outdoors, such as athletes, construction workers and gardeners.

The health effects of high ozone levels include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, mucus production, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

These symptoms can affect both the general population and sensitive groups. If these symptoms become severe or persist for a long period of time, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

In addition, health authorities recommend the following measures for travel during Code Orange to reduce the amount of pollutants in the air:

• Fill up cars and lawn mowers after 7pm, avoid spills and do not “top off” the tanks.
• Carpooling or public transport
• Consolidate errands instead of making many individual trips
• Drive less, especially during rush hour or on hot days

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