Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City metropolitan area faces an Air Quality Alert from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT Thursday, June 19, as ground-level ozone reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. This marks the region’s first Code Orange Air Quality Alert of the season.
According to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), sensitive individuals, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues like asthma or heart disease, may experience adverse health effects. The alert covers Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties in Kansas, as well as Platte, Clay, and Jackson counties in Missouri, encompassing cities like Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, and Liberty.
Elevated ozone can lead to coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. To reduce exposure, MARC recommends that sensitive groups limit strenuous outdoor physical activity. For all residents, minimizing activities that contribute to ozone formation is crucial. This includes avoiding unnecessary vehicle idling, delaying or combining errands, and postponing the use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment. Instead, consider carpooling or biking for transportation, and use water-based paints and cleaners.
The Mid-America Regional Council advises those experiencing symptoms to consult their personal physician. Warnings remain in effect through Thursday evening, and residents can find further information on air quality at airqkc.org.
