Air Quality Index classified as ‘Moderate’
Just after midafternoon on July 11, Sarasota County staff issued a precautionary statement regarding elevated particulate patter (PM2.5) levels linked to Saharan dust.
“Per the Environmental Protection Agency‘s national ambient air quality standards for public health,” the advisory said, “levels [in the county] may reach the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category. PM2.5 are inhalable particles of 2.5 micrometers or smaller,” the advisory pointed out.
The advisory was to remain in effect until Friday, July 12.
The county’s Air Quality Index as of 3 p.m. on July 11 was 83, which was classified as “Moderate,” a graphic showed.
A chart explains that the “Moderate” range goes from 51 to 100. In regard to that level, the chart adds, “Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.”
“The general public is not likely to be affected,” the July 11 advisory said. However, it did point out — as indicated in the chart referenced above — that “[t]hose sensitive to PM2.5 should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.” The advisory added, “Any health-related questions should be directed to your personal healthcare provider.”
“Saharan Dust is impacting air quality across Florida,” the advisory explained. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that Saharan dust comes from the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. “Thunderstorms and cyclones produce high-speed winds that lift the dust and transport it thousands of miles,” the advisory noted. “Saharan Dust usually impacts our area yearly during the summer months,” the advisory said, noting that the dust typically remains until mid- to late July.
“In the United States,” the advisory added, “the dust mainly affects Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,” and Southern states, including Florida and Texas.
On May 30, the county also issued an air quality advisory. That was necessary because of elevated ozone levels that had been detected on Lido Key, that alert pointed out.
The Sarasota County Air Program has monitored air quality since 1985, the advisory said. Reports to the community are made through the Air Quality Index, “alerting residents of current air quality conditions and pollutants in Sarasota County.”
The advisory further noted, “With four monitoring stations throughout the county, data is collected in real-time for ozone levels and other particulate matter that can impact at-risk residents such as those with asthma or respiratory conditions.”
It also pointed out, “Sarasota County meets all national air quality standards and continues to improve due to local, state, and federal policies.”
For more information, the public was directed to dial 311 or to visit scgov.net.