LAS VEGAS — Clark County Division of Air Quality has issued a seasonal air quality advisory for ground-level ozone and wildfire smoke. The advisory will remain in effect from April 1 through Sept. 30 across Southern Nevada.
Officials say rising temperatures and wildfire activity will likely impact air quality during the summer months. As a result, residents may experience increased levels of ozone pollution and airborne particles.
Ozone levels remain a concern during warmer months
Ground-level ozone forms when heat, sunlight and pollution interact. During the summer, these conditions become more intense.
According to officials, ozone levels exceeded federal standards on 18 days last year. While that number dropped from 25 days the year before, air quality experts still consider ozone a serious concern.
Ozone differs from the protective layer found in the upper atmosphere. At ground level, however, it contributes to smog and can harm human health.
Exposure can irritate the lungs and throat. In addition, it may cause coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Wildfire smoke adds to air quality risks
At the same time, wildfire smoke continues to impact Southern Nevada. In recent years, fires across the western United States have increased in frequency.
Consequently, smoke often drifts into the Las Vegas Valley. This smoke contains fine particles that can enter the lungs.
Officials note that smoke also contributes to ozone formation. Therefore, the dual advisory addresses both risks together.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Clark County has issued a wildfire smoke advisory alongside ozone warnings.
Sensitive groups face higher health risks
Health experts warn that certain groups face greater risk during poor air quality conditions.
These groups include:
- People with respiratory illnesses
- Individuals with heart conditions
- Young children
- Older adults
Even healthy individuals may feel effects during high pollution levels. Therefore, officials recommend taking precautions during advisory periods.
Residents with medical concerns should consult a physician for guidance.
Officials share tips to reduce exposure
To limit exposure, officials recommend several safety steps.
First, residents should stay indoors when smoke is visible or detectable. In addition, limiting outdoor activity can reduce health risks.
Keeping windows and doors closed also helps maintain indoor air quality. Running air conditioning systems can filter airborne particles.
Moreover, replacing dirty air filters improves indoor conditions.
Residents should also plan outdoor activities carefully. For example, early morning and evening hours often have lower ozone levels.
Steps to reduce ozone pollution
Officials also encourage residents to reduce activities that contribute to ozone formation.
Drivers can help by combining errands into one trip. In addition, avoiding unnecessary idling reduces emissions.
Using public transportation or carpooling can also lower pollution levels.
Fueling vehicles after sunset helps limit vapor release. Residents should also avoid overfilling gas tanks.
Maintaining vehicles properly further reduces emissions. Additionally, reducing energy use at home helps lower overall pollution.
Resources available for real-time updates
Residents can stay informed through several local and national resources.
Daily forecasts are available on the Clark County air quality website. Social media platforms also provide updates.
In addition, residents can sign up for EnviroFlash alerts or use the AIRNow mobile app.
These tools provide real-time air quality data and health guidance.
Air quality resources
Clark County Division of Air Quality
Forecasts: DESAQMonitoring.ClarkCountyNV.gov
Alerts:
EnviroFlash Alerts
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