Today, for the second time this year, Berkeley County received a Yellow for Air Quality Forecast.

The Air quality forecast predicts the pollution levels in the air.Air Quality Program Manager Michael Ball says green is an ideal forecast and means the pollution level in the air is low.Yellow is moderate, and while this amount of pollution will not affect most people’ those who suffer from extreme cases of bronchitis, asthma or other respiratory problems should limit their time out doors. Ball says he expects several orange or alert days this summer, meaning that people with any breathing problem will likely be affected by the pollutants in the air.Only one orange day has occurred for each of the past two summers, but this year he expects at least one and perhaps as many as three to occur.He said this is due in part to the tightening of standards for air quality imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, but is also impacted by the increased heat and sun of the summer season.Ball says individuals can take steps in helping reduce air born pollutants by doing things like driving less and raising the temperature of their air conditioners.While the vast majority of the days will still be green, Ball warns that people still need to be aware that just as the weather can vary, so can the level of pollution.

Categories: Local News
Tags: Air Quality, Ball, Berkeley County, Environment, EPA, Pollution