Air Pollution Advisory Issued

If you're planning outdoor activities today, take care, especially if you have existing respiratory problems.

The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County has issued an Air Pollution Advisory due to elevated levels of the pollutants ozone and particulate matter due to various wildfires throughout the state. This advisory is in effect until dusk today.

More than 310 active wildfires are burning in Florida, causing Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency earlier this week. The Florida Division of Forestry has recorded 3,283 fires since January that have scorched 188,148 acres of state lands and 210 fires that have burned 56,535 acres of federal lands.

Based on current readings at multiple air stations, there is the potential for ozone levels to reach an Air Quality Index between 101-150, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Individuals with pre-existing respiratory ailments, the elderly or the very young may want to take this into consideration when planning any outside activities, according to an EPC press release.