If you’re walking the streets of Dayton or stepping outside in Springfield or Troy today, you might want to think twice before taking a deep breath. The air looks clear—but it’s carrying a serious and invisible threat that could irritate your lungs, trigger asthma attacks, or send sensitive individuals straight to the ER.
Ohio is currently under an official Air Quality Alert as ozone levels—a pollutant that builds up when heat, sunlight, and emissions mix—are spiking to levels deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. This means children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions are especially at risk until midnight tonight.
What’s Causing the Air to Turn Harmful?
Ozone pollution is often misunderstood. Unlike wildfire smoke or smog that you can see and smell, ground-level ozone is invisible, but it packs a punch. It’s formed when tailpipe emissions, industrial pollutants, and gasoline vapors get cooked in sunlight and trapped by still air.
Today, that exact formula is hanging over Ohio’s Miami Valley region. Warm temperatures, sunny skies, and stagnant winds have created the ideal environment for ozone to concentrate near the ground—right where you’re breathing.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the region has reached 105, putting it firmly in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. The alert stretches across Montgomery, Miami, Clark, Greene, Darke, Preble, and Shelby counties, including cities like Beavercreek, Fairborn, Xenia, Sidney, and more.
Who’s At Risk and What Could Happen?
While the general population may feel mild effects, today’s ozone levels are a direct health hazard for:
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People with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions
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Children and teens, whose lungs are still developing
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Seniors
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People who work or exercise outdoors
Symptoms can include coughing, throat irritation, chest tightness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. For those with preexisting conditions, ozone exposure can trigger serious flare-ups or respiratory distress that may require medical attention.
What You Can Do To Stay Safe
You don’t need to lock yourself in a bunker—but being smart today could protect your health. Here’s what experts recommend:
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Stay indoors during the afternoon and early evening, when ozone levels peak (typically noon to 7 p.m.)
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Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise or yard work
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Close windows and run air conditioning in recirculation mode if possible
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Postpone refueling your vehicle until after 8 p.m. to limit vapor emissions
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Don’t use gas-powered lawn equipment until later in the evening
And if you’re experiencing symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, or tightness in your chest, don’t wait—consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Why This Matters Beyond Today
These alerts aren’t just one-off events. As summer rolls in and temperatures climb, ozone spikes are expected to become more frequent and more intense, especially with wildfire smoke from the West and Canada adding to the problem. Days like today serve as a warning that air pollution isn’t always visible—but it’s still dangerous.
