S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) begins daily ground-level ozone forecasts for residents

From April 1 through September 30, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) provides a daily forecast for ground-level ozone concentrations across the state. These forecasts can help South Carolinians take precautions to prevent potential health impacts on days with expected increases in ozone concentrations.

Ozone is a colorless gas that is considered a secondary pollutant, meaning it’s formed through complex chemical reactions of molecules in the air. While ozone high up in the atmosphere protects people and the environment from harmful ultraviolet rays, exposure to high concentrations of ground-level ozone can be harmful to people who are sensitive to ozone pollution — especially children, elderly people and those with breathing problems like asthma.

SCDES reports its air quality data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and that information is provided at the ZIP-code level for all of South Carolina through the EPA’s AirNow.gov website. The data are updated nearly every hour.

To receive daily ozone and air quality forecasts in South Carolina:

• Sign up for text or email alerts using the EPA’s EnviroFlash service at enviroflash.info
• Download the EPA’s AirNow free mobile app.
• Follow SCDES on social media: @SouthCarolinaDES on Facebook and Instagram, and @SC_EnvServices on X

On days with elevated ozone forecasts, it’s recommended that individuals reduce their ozone exposure the following ways:

• • Schools could modify plans for outdoor activities such as recess, lunch and physical education classes.
  • Outdoor activities could be planned for the time of day when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning or evening
  • Anyone involved in outdoor exercise or activities requiring heavy exertion could cut back on the level and duration of the activity.