Code orange air quality alert for Hampton Roads today

Posted to: News Weather

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© July 18, 2008

Smoky conditions aren’t choking Hampton Roads anymore, but environmental officials warn that another pollutant continues to create poor air quality.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a code orange alert for Hampton Roads today because of ozone pollution.

Code orange conditions, which are unhealthy for sensitive groups, began at 2 p.m. yesterday because of higher concentrations of ozone at ground level, according to environmental officials.

Officials are recommending that people with respiratory diseases, including asthma, limit or reschedule outdoor activity.

Residents also were being urged to limit car trips and the use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment and solvents. Officials also recommended conserving electricity and avoiding outdoor burning.

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