By K. Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – Tuesday marked the first orange level ozone pollution forecast in the St. Louis region this year.
As temperatures top 90 degrees, the air becomes particularly unhealthy for those suffering from heart and respiratory conditions.
Susannah Fuchs with the American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri says continued hot and humid weather this summer could bring many high ozone pollution days.
"If I were to hazard a guess, I would say we'll have a typical St. Louis summer (with) long strings of orange and red days we see those through July, August and September," Fuchs said.
When air ozone levels are high, health officials advise people to limit their outdoor activities and to refuel vehicles after dusk whenever possible.