Ozone Shot Up This Weekend

The weekend’s hot weather caused ozone levels around the county to exceed health standards, according to the county Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Ozone is a principal component of smog. The Vandenberg Air Force Base air monitoring station went over the state and federal standard (measured over an eight-hour period) on Saturday and Sunday, while on Sunday, ozone levels were exceeded at Carpinteria, El Capitan, Goleta, Las Flores Canyon and Santa Barbara monitoring stations. Many of the stations recorded elevated levels on Monday, as well.

APCD Director Dave Van Mullem noted that intense hot weather contributes to higher ozone levels, and that next weekend may be similarly hot. Sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung issues, should limit outdoor activity and exercise when ozone levels are high. Air quality levels and alerts can be seen at the APCD’s ourair.org site.