Your children deserve to breathe easier this summer.
Even though you can’t always see it, ozone pollution can still make the air in Greater Kansas City unhealthy to breathe. There are two types of ozone. The ozone layer high above the earth protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The second type of ozone — ground-level ozone — can be harmful to your health. Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from sources including cars or lawn and garden equipment react in heat and sunlight.
What are the health risks?
Ozone pollution can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing even in healthy adults. Seniors, children, and people with asthma or COPD may be especially sensitive to ozone pollution.
Children are more vulnerable to air pollution while they are still growing. Pollutants including ozone can make it hard to breathe and can cause long-term damage to airways and lungs.
Help keep your kids healthy this summer:
- Follow the SkyCast at AirQKC.org for the daily ozone pollution forecast.
- When elevated pollution levels are predicted, limit the time children spend outdoors.
- Tell your child’s caregivers about the SkyCast and health risks of air pollution.
- Help keep our air clean. Walk, bike, carpool or ride the bus to reduce emissions.