PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – The Pinellas County Air Quality section of Public Works has issued an Air Pollution Precautionary Advisory due to elevated levels of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5).
The advisory is in effect from today, Wednesday, July 10th, through Friday.
PM2.5 levels are expected to reach moderate levels with Air Quality Index (AQI) values ranging from 51-100. Some models predict the possibility of PM2.5 concentrations increasing to the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category, with AQI values of 101-150.
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Residents with sensitivities to air pollution or those with lung conditions like asthma, as well as older adults, children, teenagers, and individuals who are active outdoors, are advised to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
This rise in PM2.5 levels is attributed to the presence of Saharan dust that has crossed the Atlantic Ocean and reached the region. The advisory may be lifted if the forecast changes.
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