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What is an air quality warning?

CLEVELAND (WJW) – An air quality warning is in effect for parts of northeast Ohio on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the National Weather Service, an air quality alert is issued when the quality of the air we breathe is poor.


“There are many factors that can lead to poor air quality, but the two most common are related to increased concentrations of ground-level ozone or particulate matter,” says the National Weather Service.

Fine dust is smoke, dust or aerosol particles that can be dangerous to inhale.

Weather, such as the extreme heat in Northeast Ohio, can have a major impact on air quality. According to the National Weather Service, weather can affect:

  • Sunlight can cause chemical reactions with some pollutants, creating smog.
  • Higher temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions in the air

When air quality alerts are issued, it is important to pay attention to safety, especially for people with higher risk factors.

The National Weather Service recommends that sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and people who already have respiratory problems, avoid being outdoors.

The poor air quality is due to increased concentrations of ground-level ozone and comes at a time when the FOX 8 weather team is predicting temperatures to rise above 30 degrees.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people living in areas under an air quality warning can use these methods to stay healthy:

  • Keep the windows of your house and car closed
  • Do not use your fireplace or grill
  • Buy air purifiers for the rooms you spend the most time in
  • Stay indoors
  • Wear an N95 mask
  • Do not light candles or use wood stoves
  • Avoid passive smoking

If you want to help reduce air pollution, you can follow these tips, according to the National Weather Service:

  • Avoid tobacco smoke
  • Reduce the use of wood stoves and fireplaces
  • Do not burn candles, leaves, garbage, plastic or rubber
  • Use HEPA air filters and air purifiers to reduce particles
  • Drive less: carpool, use public transport, cycle or walk
  • Keep your car, boat and other engines in good shape
  • Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
  • When refueling: Stop when the pump stops. Avoid spilling fuel and tighten the fuel tank cap.
  • Use low-VOC paints and cleaners and seal and store them to prevent evaporation.
  • Set the thermostats higher in summer
  • Turn off lights that you are not using

Click here to view air quality alerts and other weather advisories.