Ozone season in the Greater Kansas City region began on March 1 and will continue through Oct. 31. During ozone season, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) monitors air quality to let you know when ozone levels are expected to be unhealthy. MARC issues the SkyCast, the region’s daily ozone season air quality forecast, each afternoon from March 1 through Oct. 31.
Ozone pollution forms when emissions from sources such as vehicles, lawnmowers, power plants and industry react with heat and sunlight. Ground-level ozone makes it difficult for your lungs to absorb oxygen, making you cough. Ozone pollution is harmful for everyone, especially for people with respiratory problems such as asthma. More than half of all emissions that lead to ozone pollution are caused by everyday activities- such as driving and doing yard work. You can help reduce pollution by carpooling, taking the bus, postponing mowing and postponing refueling vehicles until after 7 p.m.
